Dana White Doubles Down to Crush Michael Chandler’s Dream Fight

UFC CEO Dana White puts a full stop on Michael Chandler's dreams to fight Conor McGregor at the White House event.

Dana White Doubles Down to Crush Michael Chandler’s Dream Fight

Dana White doubles down on denying Michael Chandler (via The New York Times, MMA Mania)

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The UFC White House event is one of the most anticipated cards in recent years because of the historic venue. Michael Chandler has pushed to reignite his rivalry with Conor McGregor at this card, seeing it as a major stage for the matchup. UFC CEO Dana White, however, has made it clear he does not want the fight. He recently confirmed that the fight does not fit the UFC’s plans for the June 14th event.

Chandler initially called out McGregor to settle their unfinished business. The Irishman later responded to the callout, giving Chandler reason to expect the fight could happen at the White House event. The two were previously set to fight at UFC 303, but McGregor withdrew at the last minute due to a toe injury. Despite the earlier setback, the potential matchup continued to draw attention for McGregor’s return.

Chandler recently revealed that their fight is confirmed, as he believes McGregor has begun a training camp to mimic his style for the matchup. Despite this, White said the fight has long since sailed and is no longer planned on the White House card. He recently doubled down on this position while appreciating Chandler’s overall personality and efforts to make the bout happen even after past setbacks.

No disrespect to Chandler, we love Chandler. You don’t have enough time on your show for me to talk to you about how awesome Chandler is. You know how I feel about Conor and everything for the sport and this company. But that’s not the fight we’re going with.

Dana White via The Pat McAfee Show.

McGregor has remained optimistic about his participation in the White House event and has continued to indicate he expects to compete on the card. He has spoken about beginning a six-month training camp in preparation for the event. His coach, John Kavanagh, has also stated that the Irishman is fully focused and locked in on the opportunity, as the event may mark McGregor’s return since his last fight in 2021.

Chandler recently spoke about waiting nearly two years for the fight while remaining active and available for the promotion. He also stated that he would be fine if the Irishman were to retire without ever facing him. This approach has previously shaped how White has spoken about the lightweight, emphasizing how highly he regards Chandler and praising his willingness to step up when needed.

Dustin Poirier recently noted that Chandler was not getting younger and suggested that denying him the McGregor fight was unfair, given how long he has waited. The remarks added to the discussion surrounding Chandler’s position. However, Dana White has maintained his stance on the matchup and has not shifted course. He has stated that fights for the White House will be planned only after UFC 324.

Michael Chandler remains positive for Conor McGregor fight even after Dana White snub

Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor’s rivalry first took shape when they coached opposite teams on The Ultimate Fighter Season 31. Their pairing immediately fueled expectations of a future showdown inside the Octagon. However, the bout never materialized after McGregor suffered an injury, delaying plans indefinitely. Since then, doubts have continued to surround whether the fight will ever take place.

Dana White isn't interested in Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler
Dana White isn’t interested in Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler (via X)

Chandler has struggled for form in recent times and is currently on a three-fight skid in the UFC. Those losses came against Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, and Paddy Pimblett, placing added pressure on his position in the lightweight division. Despite his profile, Dana White is still unsure about his place on the White House card. That uncertainty has led Chandler to address his situation about his future.

Obviously, it’s not encouraging. It’s not great to hear, but I’ve also heard many things that were not encouraging that turned out to be not true or just flat-out false, so we just keep on going. Until the fights get announced, until Conor McGregor gets announced his next opponent, until I do or do not get announced as his next opponent or do or do not get announced as being on the White House card, until then all we can do is just hope and pray and kind of see what happens.

Michael Chandler via The Ariel Helwani Show

Chandler has remained active by competing outside the UFC through his involvement with Real American Freestyle. The move has allowed him to stay competitive while awaiting clarity on his MMA future. He recently competed at RAF 03, where he secured a victory over former UFC veteran Chad Mendes. The appearance marked a notable result as ‘Iron’ continues to balance opportunities beyond the Octagon.

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