Michael Chandler has moved on from the anticipated fight with Conor McGregor, who remains inactive amid speculation about his return to the UFC, and is now focused on his upcoming bout against Paddy Pimblett, while expressing no regrets about waiting for McGregor despite the uncertainty.
Michael Chandler has finally moved past the two-year saga that never materialized into a fight against Conor McGregor. He’s skeptical about whether the Irish superstar will ever step into the octagon again.
It feels like ages since Chandler signed on to coach The Ultimate Fighter season 31 opposite McGregor. Fast forward nine months, and UFC 303 during International Fight Week 2024 has come and gone without them headlining. Chandler, however, returned with a five-round war against Charles Oliveira last November and is now set to face Paddy Pimblett in UFC 314’s co-main event this April.
Meanwhile, McGregor remains absent from the fight scene, fueling speculation that he may have already bid farewell to his UFC career. “In my heart of hearts, yes [he comes back],” Chandler told MMA Fighting about McGregor. He believes McGregor doesn’t want his fighting legacy to end with a broken leg against Dustin Poirier.
But if you’re a betting person? Chandler admits, “I’d give it a slim chance.” McGregor’s last bout ended with that nasty leg break in 2021. The comeback trail was supposed to lead him to Chandler, but instead, he’s been busy building BKFC and promoting his beer brand.
With his 37th birthday looming in July, time isn’t on McGregor’s side. Yet, sitting on a mountain of wealth means he could comfortably never fight again. “He’s just so intertwined in the shiny objects,” Chandler mused. And who wouldn’t be? It’s hard to judge unless you’ve walked in those shoes.
Chandler maintains respect for fighters’ choices, understanding everyone lives their own life. Despite doubts about McGregor’s return, he holds onto hope but won’t bet money on it. As time passes without updates on McGregor’s next fight, some say Chandler wasted his time waiting for nothing.
Reflecting on it all, Chandler doesn’t regret waiting for the fight that never happened. The UFC assured him they were committed to making it happen. When it became clear McGregor wasn’t coming back soon, Chandler moved forward.
“There’s still no regret,” he said about how things unfolded with Conor. He had reassurances that the fight might get delayed but would eventually happen. Now, he’s focused on staying active and fighting regularly.
Returning from a tough loss to Oliveira, Chandler didn’t dwell long before getting healthy and ready for his next opportunity—scheduled against Pimblett in April. Critics may mock him for waiting for Conor, but Chandler stands by his decision.
As soon as he was fit again, he jumped at the chance to fight Pimblett. Looking ahead to an active year, he aims for three fights in 2024. It’s a “what have you done lately” business after all.
If McGregor ever announces his return, Chandler would eagerly revisit their potential matchup but isn’t holding his breath anymore. “I’ve bet money on the wrong horse,” he admitted. Now, he’s betting on himself to shine against Pimblett and beyond.
Should McGregor return, Chandler insists his path back leads straight through Nashville—and Michael Chandler himself.