Michael Chandler is gearing up to fight Paddy Pimblett on 12th April at the UFC 314 lightweight co-main event. Chandler last fought Charles Oliveira in November 2024. The lightweight bout ended in Chandler losing by decision. That was his only fight last year because he was waiting for Conor McGregor to return.
However, now Chandler has moved past it. At least partially. The 38-year-old is no longer willing to sit around, waiting for McGregor to give him a date. While speaking to Damon Martin recently, he talked about where he’s at mentally regarding the impending Conor fight.
Chandler said, “In my heart of hearts, yes [he comes back]. Because I think he wants to fight. He doesn’t want to finish his fighting legacy the way he has done it. Now, my mind, if you’re a betting man does Conor come back? No. I’d give it a slim chance.”
The former Bellator lightweight champion believes that Conor is too involved in enjoying the materialistic lifestyle. “I think he’s just so intertwined in the shiny objects all around him that he can’t help himself but to go reach at a shiny object. In my heart of hearts, I think he does come back eventually but if I was a betting man, it’s a slim chance. I ain’t betting money on that horse,” he concluded.
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler were slated to fight last year
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler have been tied together for a long time. Despite never fighting inside the octagon, the two UFC veterans have made quite a buzz. The only thing they’ve done together for the promotion was The Ultimate Fighter 31, the 2023 installment of the reality TV series produced by UFC.
TUF 31 was won by Chandler’s team. After the show aired on TV, McGregor’s fight with Chandler was scheduled in the welterweight division. It was expected to be the grand return of the Irish legend to the octagon after UFC 264. McGregor had lost that fight to Dustin Poirier in round one after doctor stoppage.
His interactions with Chandler gave hope to UFC fans that the former two-division champion might fight again. After all, there isn’t anyone who can generate buzz around a fight like Conor. Unfortunately, the Chandler fight scheduled for UFC 303 never became a reality. We did come very close to it as PPV and posters were being promoted.
The spiral down started with the abrupt cancellation of the press conference for the fight. Days later, UFC issued an official statement, informing fans that McGregor vs Chandler wouldn’t happen at UFC 303. The reason for the cancellation was that Conor had suffered a broken toe injury and wouldn’t be able to make it to the cage.
Fans are still awaiting the return of the legend to the celebrated stage, but considering how busy he is in promoting his brand and businesses, it’s advised that we don’t get our hopes up.
Prateek is a seasoned content writer with over 2500 published articles and two+ years of experience. His passion for UFC was ignited during Conor McGregor’s meteoric rise, and closely following McGregor’s journey inspired him to bring a sharp, fan-driven perspective to his UFC coverage, blending detailed analysis with compelling storytelling.
