Michael Chandler Calls out Logan Paul for an Epic Crossover Showdown at SummerSlam in 2026

Former Bellator kingpin Michael Chandler looks to follow in the footsteps of stars like Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey to make his trade in WWE.

Michael Chandler Calls out Logan Paul for an Epic Crossover Showdown at SummerSlam in 2026

Michael Chandler and Logan Paul (via Imagn and BBC)

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Professional wrestling has long welcomed crossover stars from MMA– from Brock Lesnar to Ronda Rousey, both of whom found massive success transitioning between the Octagon and the squared circle. Now, another MMA powerhouse might be following that same path in the form of UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler.

The former Bellator lightweight champion has built a reputation as one of the UFC’s most entertaining fighters, known not just for his explosive fighting style but also for his elite mic skills and charisma, qualities that could make him a natural fit for WWE.

But would WWE actually be interested in him? According to Chandler, the answer is a confident yes. During a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Chandler shared that he remains cautiously optimistic about finally facing Conor McGregor at the proposed White House event in June 2026. After that, however, the 39-year-old hinted that a WWE run could be next on his list.

Van Vliet noted that Chandler’s athleticism, physique, and promo ability make him a perfect fit for professional wrestling. And when asked about possibly stepping into a wrestling ring after the McGregor fight, Chandler responded with his trademark enthusiasm.

Yeah, when’s Wrestlemania?… Oh, that’s right. So we can’t do Wrestlemania, but when is [SummerSlam]?… I knew there’s one in August… Where’s that at?… Minneapolis. Okay, let’s do Minneapolis in August. Me versus Logan Paul… Me versus Logan Paul [laughs]…. That’s where we’ll do it. That’s where we’ll start it.

Michael Chandler via Insight with Chris Van Vliet

He said that while nothing is finalized yet, discussions are ongoing. According to him, both he and WWE are interested in making it happen, but they’ll have to see how things progress in the coming months.

Chandler further shared that the idea of joining WWE genuinely excites him. Drawing inspiration from his friends in wrestling, including Sheamus and Diamond Dallas Page, Chandler noted that DDP’s career only took off at 40, something he finds motivating as a 39-year-old still performing at a high level.

If the former Bellator kingpin were to step into WWE, he would likely be very entertaining in a few appearances. However, a long-term wrestling career seems unlikely at this stage. His walk-around weight of around 185-190 pounds is considered small compared to most male WWE superstars. 

And while he’s a respected UFC name, ‘Iron’ doesn’t carry the mainstream star power of someone like Ronda Rousey. Chandler could certainly make a short-term impact, but as seen with Cain Velasquez’s brief and challenging WWE stint, transitioning from MMA to a sustained pro wrestling career is far more difficult than it looks.

Michael Chandler recalls his iconic callout of Conor McGregor on Raw back in February 2024

WWE fans who don’t usually follow MMA might remember Michael Chandler as that UFC guy who took the microphone from Samantha Irvin to cut a fiery promo on Conor McGregor during the 19 February 2024 episode of Raw. 

Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor
Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor (via ESPN)

Now, with the UFC planning an event at the White House in 2026, Chandler could be back in WWE for another memorable mic moment, especially if his long-awaited fight with McGregor finally happens in Washington, D.C.

During his appearance on the Insight podcast with Chris Van Vliet, Chandler revealed that the viral promo was entirely his idea and that he got permission from WWE’s top brass, including President Nick Khan. Chandler explained that since he was only a guest at the Anaheim show, he didn’t want to overstep.

They knew [the promo] was gonna happen because I wanted to ask for permission. Once again, going back to, I’m not going to show up to WWE and make it about me. So I asked, I forget who I was sitting with. But they asked, and it went up to Nick [Khan], went up the flagpole to Nick.

Michael Chandler via Insight with Chris Van Vliet

Once Chandler asked for the microphone, production double-checked with Khan, who gave the green light. However, Chandler also recalled one very specific warning he received from the production team, a rule he almost broke in the heat of the moment.

But then they did say, ‘Hey, make sure you do not rip the… microphone out of her [Irvin] hand, they will freaking be mad at you if you do that.’ I’m like, okay, I’ll take it. But it was a little bit of a passionate grab. But it wasn’t like, ‘Give me that thing!

Michael Chandler via Insight with Chris Van Vliet

The promo went viral, racking up around 60 million views within 24 hours. Despite losing five of his last six UFC fights, Chandler remains one of the most charismatic and entertaining fighters in the sport, a showman who believes in giving fans unforgettable moments.

Now, the big question: Is Michael Chandler, at 39, too old to make it in WWE? Or is it only a matter of time before he’s trading blows with stars like Drew McIntyre, Logan Paul, or even Jelly Roll?

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