Will it ever happen? McGregor vs. Chandler tease heats up again

Michael Chandler has a desire for another big match—especially if it involves MMA’s “golden chicken,” Conor McGregor. After the Irishman recently wrote on social media, “IRON MIKE CHANDLER. Unfinished business,” Mike immediately responded: “Unfinished business loading….”

The famous Irishman was supposed to fight last June in the main event of UFC 303 against his rival trainer from the UFC’s reality show The Ultimate Fighter, Michael “Iron” Chandler. But a few weeks before the fight, McGregor withdrew due to a toe injury.

The story of their clash has been going on for years. First, they were opponents as trainers on one season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” and then the fight was announced and postponed several times. During that time, Chandler continued to compete actively, while McGregor mostly disappeared from the spotlight, making movies and spending time on a yacht. Over time, the talk of this fight calmed down, and Mike devoted himself to training and other opponents, not taking Conor seriously.

However, after a series of losses, including a heavy knockout by Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314, Chandler is nearing the end of his career. That’s why this potential fight with McGregor could be his last big chance.

McGregor hasn’t stepped into the Octagon since 2021, but he’s constantly hinting at a return online. The problem is that these announcements usually don’t come to fruition. The question is how many times the UFC can repeat the same scenario and how long Mike can wait for someone who changes plans almost daily.

A match between the two would certainly generate huge interest and revenue. Almost all of the most-watched UFC events in history have been those where Conor has performed, and it’s known that Dana loves fighters who sell PPV. However, at the moment, all of this seems like a mere wish, not something concrete. Until Bruce Buffer shouts his legendary “It’s time!”, all of this remains in the realm of speculation, especially when we consider the character of the problematic Irishman.