Michael Chandler reminds Conor McGregor of the contract he signed for The Ultimate Fighter 31 two years ago
The world of UFC has seen many rivalries come and go. Few have been as anticipated yet unfulfilled as the showdown between Michael “Chandler and Conor McGregor. Their story began two years ago when they faced off as opposing coaches on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter. Tensions ran high as McGregor’s trademark trash-talking and even physical confrontations set the stage for what promised to be an explosive match in the octagon.
Fast forward to 2025, and fans are still waiting. The typically respectful Chandler has made no secret of his desire to retire McGregor. Their scheduled UFC 303 clash fell through last year due to McGregor’s injury, leaving fight fans wondering if this match will ever happen.
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In a recent interview with TNT Sports ahead of his UFC 314 bout with Paddy Pimblett next month, Chandler addressed the elephant in the room. Rather than sit idly by, he has kept busy, fighting Charles Oliveira last November and now preparing for Pimblett in April. He is making it clear he’s not just waiting around for the Irishman.
“I am not waiting for Conor. Conor knows my name is signed to that contract when he comes back. If he wants to fight, obviously we want to do it. We have to finish The Ultimate Fighter 31. I don’t sit here and offer these things up. I always get asked about Conor, obviously, because I am connected to him and his road back to the UFC goes through me to finish The Ultimate Fighter 31.”
The potential matchup has massive appeal. Before their UFC 303 fight was canceled, it had already broken gate records, showing McGregor’s star power remains strong. Chandler believes their eventual clash would break records.
There is a growing fear that Conor McGregor is done for good. And the UFC CEO’s words aren’t helping. Dana White seems less committed to this particular matchup. The UFC CEO has been vague about McGregor’s return, repeatedly pushing it to “sometime next year” in interviews since 2023.
This uncertainty flies in the face of UFC tradition. Fighters who coach against each other on “The Ultimate Fighter” typically face off afterward. It is practically the whole point of the show! Add in the genuine bad blood between these contrasting personalities, and the UFC have got promotional gold that’s currently sitting unused.
Chandler’s frustration is understandable. He’s put in the work, built his platform, and signed his part of the deal. Now he is left reminding McGregor of their unfinished business while continuing his career! As McGregor’s mythical return continues to be pushed back, fans have to wonder if they are witnessing the fading of one of UFC’s biggest stars.
(Image Credit: Brad Penner – Imagn Images)
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