Michael Chandler’s dream of fighting Conor McGregor in the UFC may be fading, but that hasn’t stopped him from keeping the possibility alive.
For years, the two fighters seemed destined to collide. Chandler, 38, spent much of the latter part of his UFC career pursuing a matchup with the former two-division champion. Their rivalry intensified when they were chosen as opposing coaches for The Ultimate Fighter, a move that many believed would inevitably lead to a showdown inside the Octagon. Fans anticipated the clash eagerly, especially after UFC officially announced their bout for UFC 303.
Unfortunately, the fight never materialized. As the date drew closer, McGregor suffered a toe injury, which forced him to pull out. The delay was frustrating for fans and fighters alike. Many hoped the UFC would quickly rebook the bout once McGregor recovered. But as weeks turned into months, the silence grew louder, and Chandler slowly began to realize that the fight might never happen.
Faced with uncertainty, Chandler made the decision to move forward with his career. Instead of waiting indefinitely for McGregor, he took on a rematch with former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. That bout, too, ended in disappointment for Chandler, who was defeated by the Brazilian. Yet, even in the wake of that loss, Chandler remained active and committed to staying relevant in the lightweight division.
He was soon booked for another high-profile fight—this time against rising star Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314, set to take place next month in Miami. While the matchup may not have the star power of a McGregor bout, it’s still a chance for Chandler to prove he belongs at the top of the division. It’s also an opportunity for him to get back in the win column and make a strong statement.
But even with this new challenge ahead of him, Chandler hasn’t given up on McGregor entirely. In fact, he’s planning to use the spotlight of UFC 314 to reignite interest in the long-awaited fight. According to recent interviews, Chandler intends to call McGregor out during his post-fight speech—if, of course, he beats Pimblett. It’s a calculated move, and one that shows Chandler’s strategic mindset. He knows that a victory followed by a passionate challenge could capture the attention of the UFC brass and McGregor himself.
Chandler’s persistence isn’t surprising. Since entering the UFC from Bellator, he has consistently sought out the biggest fights, and McGregor remains one of the biggest names in the sport. Despite being largely inactive since his leg injury against Dustin Poirier in 2021, McGregor continues to dominate headlines whenever his name is mentioned. A fight between the two would still be a major draw for fans and the UFC alike.
Still, there’s no guarantee that McGregor will return. His recovery timeline remains uncertain, and some believe he may never fight again. He’s focused on other ventures, including his business interests and film projects. As more time passes, the idea of a comeback seems less and less likely. But Chandler remains hopeful. His willingness to stay ready, stay vocal, and keep pushing for the fight reflects not only his determination but also his understanding of how the fight game works.
In the UFC, momentum and timing are everything. A strong performance at UFC 314 could give Chandler the momentum he needs to push the narrative forward. Whether or not McGregor takes the bait is another story. But for now, Chandler’s strategy is clear: keep winning, keep talking, and keep the McGregor fight alive.
As fight night in Miami approaches, all eyes will be on Chandler. Not just to see if he can beat Paddy Pimblett, but to see what he says afterward. For Chandler, the fight may be in the cage—but the campaign for McGregor continues long after the final bell.