Despite Conor McGregor‘s public callout of Justin Gaethje, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Michael Chandler will still be McGregor’s next opponent as initially planned.
Considering recent remarks, it seems Justin Gaethje won’t be replacing Michael Chandler in Conor McGregor’s upcoming bout. UFC President, Dana White, clarifies that McGregor’s challenge to Gaethje following his “BMF” title victory was simply a typical misdirection tactic he enjoys employing against both the press and his adversaries.
Expectations of a match between the reality show coaches at the end of “The Ultimate Fighter 31”, with Chandler seeming to have the upper hand over McGregor, will likely proceed as initially planned, according to White. White’s interaction with McGregor recently reinforces these claims, stating, “I talked to Conor, either yesterday or the day before, and yeah, he’s ready to fight. I said, ‘Listen, get in shape and let’s figure this out.’” When questioned if Chandler was confirmed as McGregor’s contender, White declared with certainty, “definitely Chandler.”
White went on to mention McGregor’s penchant for disconcerting everyone, especially his adversaries or possible opponents. After UFC 291, McGregor hinted that he may not pursue his planned encounter with Chandler, instead implying a devastating showdown with Gaethje. He had recently beaten the three-time challenger Dustin Poirier with an impressive head-kick knockout. Despite McGregor’s ambiguity, Gaethje was unfazed, calling on McGregor to confirm the fight.
Recently, McGregor announced that UFC was no longer interested in Chandler. But White vehemently denies these allegations, asserting that the organization remains invested in the fighter. Now, all that seemingly remains is for McGregor to get in peak fighting condition, and likely complete a six-month stint in the drug testing pool, as per UFC’s anti-doping partner, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s requirement for athletes exiting the drug testing pool.