Michael Chandler has responded to Dana White’s decision to rule out his long-awaited fight with Conor McGregor, saying he still hopes the matchup will happen.
The bout between Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor was originally planned for 2024 after their coaching stints on The Ultimate Fighter, but was cancelled following McGregor’s foot injury.
No new date has been announced since, and Dana White’s latest statement suggested it would not feature on the White House card.
Michael Chandler reacts to Dana White’s comments
Dana White told TMZ that the rumoured McGregor fight would not be part of the historic White House event, calling online speculation “goofy.”
When asked about the situation on the MMA Hour, Michael Chandler said he was disappointed but remains optimistic that the matchup will still materialise.
“Obviously, it’s not encouraging. It’s not great to hear,” Chandler said. “But I’ve also heard many things that were not encouraging that turned out to be not true.”
Chandler added that he remains committed to the McGregor fight and has no plans to consider other opponents. For him, the matchup is the only one that makes sense for both fans and his career.
“All we can do is hope and pray and see what happens,” Chandler said. “I don’t have a plan B. That’s the plan — fighting Conor.”
Conor McGregor fight remains Chandler’s top priority
Despite being 39, Michael Chandler says he is still confident the fight can be made, describing it as the perfect matchup for both men.
He believes the buildup and fan interest in a fight with Conor McGregor make it one of the biggest potential events in UFC history.
Dana White has confirmed that matchmaking for the White House card will begin in February, giving Chandler hope that the opportunity remains alive.
For now, he continues to train and wait for what he still believes could be the defining fight of his career.
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