UFC President Dana White confirmed that Conor McGregor will not face Michael Chandler at the UFC’s upcoming event scheduled for June 14 at the White House. Despite ongoing interest and conversations surrounding a potential matchup, White stated that this fight is not in consideration for the historic card set at the residence of the President of the United States. The Michael Chandler UFC fight, which has been anticipated for several years, remains uncertain amid conflicting reports and injuries.
Background on McGregor-Chandler Fight Discussions
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler’s fight talks have lingered for nearly three years, marked by speculation and missed opportunities. This potential showdown first appeared poised to happen but stalled multiple times, including when McGregor withdrew from a 2024 fight with Chandler due to injury. McGregor, an Irish superstar and two-weight UFC champion, has not stepped into the Octagon since 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in his loss to Dustin Poirier. Chandler, a veteran fighter, has equally experienced a challenging run, having lost five of his last six fights.
Both fighters served as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter in 2023, creating an intense buildup to what many hoped would be a headlining bout. However, this collision course has yet to result in an official fight, with mixed signals coming from both camps.
Dana White’s Clarification on Fight Prospects
In an interview with Complex News, Dana White dismissed the notion that McGregor vs. Chandler would headline the White House card, steering conversation away from long-held rumors.
“No, that was a couple of years ago,”
White said regarding the fight’s status. He added,
“We’ll see if Conor comes back or not. We have been talking about it for a while. We’ll see how it plays out. I don’t know.”
White’s remarks emphasize the ongoing uncertainty about McGregor’s return, reflecting the complexities within UFC’s planning and fighter readiness. His statements suggest that while discussions have occurred, nothing concrete has been finalized for this landmark event at the White House.
Michael Chandler’s Confidence in Fight Prospects
Michael Chandler, however, has voiced optimism about the chances of the fight happening, expressing publicly that the odds are better than ever. In an interview with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Chandler declared,
“The odds are higher than they ever have been, at this point.”
He further highlighted the mutual desire for the fight by referencing McGregor’s recent social media activity and public remarks.
“It’s no secret, obviously, that I want to fight Conor. And it’s no secret, from the things that he is posting, the interviews he is doing, the number of times he has said my name, posting a video of me and him and our highlights… he wants to fight me, and I want to fight him.” – Michael Chandler, UFC Fighter
Chandler also passionately described his aspiration to compete at the White House event, saying,
“He wants to fight at the White House. I want nothing more than to be wearing the red, white and blue and walking onto the White House lawn.”
“All I know is that I will start training soon, laser-focused on June. They will keep holding the cards close to their chest as they always do, to keep things a secret.” – Michael Chandler, UFC Fighter
Despite Chandler’s hopeful expressions and assertions that negotiations remain ongoing, the fight’s official announcement remains elusive. He acknowledged the rivalry’s history, referencing previous confrontations and tension between himself and McGregor, which has fueled fans’ eagerness for the fight.
Context on Fighters’ Recent Performances
The UFC community is watching McGregor’s potential comeback with significant interest, given that if he returns at the White House event, it would mark five years since his last professional fight. McGregor’s recent record includes three losses in four fights, emphasizing the high stakes and pressure surrounding a comeback. Meanwhile, Chandler, aged 39, has struggled as well, having been defeated in five of his last six bouts. His latest loss came at the hands of Paddy Pimblett, who is set to challenge Justin Gaethje next week at UFC 324 for the interim lightweight title.
Looking Ahead: What the Future Holds
The uncertainty surrounding the Michael Chandler UFC fight reflects broader tensions in the sport, as well as challenges in orchestrating high-profile matches amidst injuries, fighter readiness, and promotional strategies. Dana White’s comments underscore the unpredictable nature of matchmaking at UFC’s highest levels. Meanwhile, the anticipation McGregor and Chandler have generated by coaching on The Ultimate Fighter and publicly discussing the bout keeps fans hopeful.
If the fight eventually materializes, especially on a stage as prestigious as the White House, it would become one of the most significant UFC events in recent memory. Until then, both fighters and the UFC organization continue to weigh various factors that will determine the best path forward for this much-discussed yet unresolved rivalry.
