Michael Chandler ‘At Peace’ Despite Losing Two Years Chasing Conor McGregor Fight

UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler believes that he will be fine if UFC superstar Conor McGregor retires without fighting him.

Michael Chandler ‘At Peace’ Despite Losing Two Years Chasing Conor McGregor Fight

Michael Chandler talks about Conor McGregor (via Bloody Elbow, Instagram)

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In combat sports, highly anticipated matchups often hang in uncertainty, with fans left waiting for clarity on whether they will materialize. The situation surrounding Conor McGregor’s long-discussed fight with Michael Chandler has been one of the most prolonged storylines in recent UFC history. Despite years of buildup, official confirmation remains elusive, leaving speculation as the only constant.

Chandler was a former Bellator champion who successfully transitioned to the UFC in 2021. He has been positioned as McGregor’s comeback opponent since their coaching roles on The Ultimate Fighter 31 in 2023. At the time, the UFC leaned heavily on the rivalry to promote a potential clash, but injuries, delays, and McGregor’s outside-the-cage ventures stalled the matchup.

Chandler, meanwhile, has remained ready and vocal about his willingness to face McGregor. In recent times, their feud has been reignited after ‘Iron’ expressed his wish to fight at the UFC White House event in 2026. However, knowing McGregor’s past, Chandler recently spoke with Ring announcer Bruce Buffer and discussed the McGregor fight.

If he never comes back and never fights again, I wish him well in retirement and I’ll always support him if he ever needs me for anything. But I’d love to punch him in the face in the middle of the Octagon at the White House.

Michael Chandler via Bruce Buffer

McGregor last competed in July 2021 at UFC 264, where he suffered a broken leg against Dustin Poirier. Since then, his return has been a topic of speculation, with multiple proposed dates falling through. The Irishman has remained active in business, film, and media appearances, but his fighting future has become increasingly uncertain as the years pass without a confirmed return to the Octagon.

Chandler has built his UFC career around explosive performances against elite names such as Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier. While his Octagon record remains mixed, his exciting style has kept him in high demand. However, making a fight with the Irishman is both commercially viable and competitively appealing. However, McGregor has himself listed out demands to fight Chandler at the White House.

As it stands, the possibility of McGregor versus Chandler remains unresolved. For now, it represents one of the UFC’s biggest unanswered questions: whether the promotion will finalize the long-discussed fight or whether it will stay another chapter in the history of bouts that never came to fruition. Until a definitive announcement is made, the story of Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler remains in limbo.

Fans react to Michael Chandler giving up on the Conor McGregor fight

Whenever Conor McGregor’s name comes up in relation to a potential fight, the MMA community reacts strongly. The long buildup around Michael Chandler’s pursuit of a matchup with McGregor has once again triggered discussion, with many fans weighing in on whether the fight is still worth chasing.

Michael Chandler Conor McGregor at TUF
Michael Chandler Conor McGregor at TUF (via BJ Penn)

A large portion of fans believe Chandler should move on entirely. They argue that McGregor’s inactivity and repeated delays have rendered the matchup unrealistic, and the wait is hindering Chandler’s career. These fans feel Chandler has plenty of other opportunities in the lightweight division and should focus on staying active. Here are some fan reactions:

Others added that McGregor’s return, even if it happens, is unlikely to resemble his prime form, making the matchup less appealing than it once was. Instead, they suggest Chandler should accept that the moment has passed and pursue contenders who are currently active. In their view, walking away would be better for Chandler’s career and for the fans who want to see him back in meaningful fights.

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