UFC president Dana White has publicly dismissed the idea of Conor McGregor fighting Michael Chandler, throwing a major spanner in the works for the Irish superstar's much-discussed return to the Octagon.
White Shuts Down Chandler Speculation
Despite McGregor himself claiming a fight against Michael Chandler at the UFC's proposed White House event this summer was a "done deal", Dana White has firmly rejected the matchup. When asked if Chandler was being considered as McGregor's comeback opponent, White replied, "No, that was a couple years ago," adding he would "not entertain" reviving a feud from 2023.
This directly contradicts McGregor's statements from a September interview with Fox News, where he named Chandler as his intended rival, citing their history from coaching on 'The Ultimate Fighter'.
McGregor's Long Road Back to the Octagon
The former two-division champion's fighting future remains shrouded in uncertainty. McGregor has not competed since July 2021, when he broke his leg in a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. A planned comeback against Chandler in June 2024 was scrapped after McGregor sustained a broken toe.
Compounding his absence, the 37-year-old is currently serving a backdated 18-month suspension from the UFC for missing three drug tests. He will be eligible to fight again from 20 March.
Beyond the Cage: Legal and Political Pursuits
McGregor's life outside fighting has been eventful. He recently ended a brief foray into politics, abandoning a pursuit of the Irish presidency, which he criticised as a "straitjacket".
He has also faced significant legal challenges. In November, a civil jury found in favour of a woman who accused him of rape in 2018. McGregor was found liable for assault, and his appeal against the verdict failed in July. He continues to deny all allegations.
While White hinted that discussions about a McGregor return are ongoing, his blunt dismissal of the Chandler fight leaves the megastar's next move—and the viability of the White House card—in serious doubt.
