The long-anticipated matchup between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler has officially come to an end. UFC President Dana White has put the final nail in the coffin of a fight that fans have been expecting since 2023.
In a recent conversation with Complex, White dismissed the idea outright, making it clear that the organization has moved on from booking McGregor vs Chandler for the historic UFC White House event.
This announcement marks a significant turning point for both fighters, especially Chandler, who has waited patiently for nearly two years, clinging to the belief that the UFC was simply saving this blockbuster bout for McGregor’s comeback.
But now, with White publicly shutting the door, the promotion appears ready to go in a different direction for McGregor’s long-awaited return.
In this in-depth article, we break down White’s comments, McGregor’s reaction, Chandler’s situation, and what this all means for the upcoming UFC White House event.
Dana White Ends the McGregor vs Chandler Discussion Once and for All
For years, the UFC has floated the idea of pairing Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler inside the Octagon. The rivalry began in 2023 after the two coached opposite each other on The Ultimate Fighter.
A fight seemed inevitable, and the UFC even attempted to finalize it multiple times. Still, setbacks—including injuries, delays, and contract timing—kept pushing it further into uncertainty.
Finally, Dana White has ended the speculation.
In his interview with Complex, White did not dance around the topic. When asked directly about the matchup, he responded bluntly:
“No, I mean, that was a couple of years ago… No.”
White’s short response carried a lot of weight. It revealed not only that the fight is off, but also that the UFC no longer considers it relevant or timely. His tone made it clear that this fight is firmly in the rearview mirror.
This is a rare level of clarity from White, who usually leaves a window open for future possibilities.
His statement signals a major shift in the UFC’s plans for the White House card and McGregor’s return.
Years of Delays Finally Lead to a Dead End
The most recent attempt to book the fight was for UFC 303 in 2024. McGregor was scheduled to face Chandler in a massive comeback bout, but the Irish superstar withdrew after suffering a toe injury.
The cancellation was a huge blow, as the fight had already been promoted heavily.
Before that, fans believed the UFC was lining up the bout ever since The Ultimate Fighter wrapped in 2023.
But even before UFC 303, signs of uncertainty were growing. Months passed with no updates, prompting speculation that the fight might never happen.
Chandler stayed optimistic, repeatedly stating that he was confident the UFC was quietly setting up the matchup behind the scenes.
That hope has now vanished. White shutting it down publicly confirms what many insiders suspected, the UFC has shifted its priorities.
Michael Chandler Takes the Biggest Loss Without Even Fighting
Of all the people affected, Michael Chandler has the most to lose. He has waited longer than any fighter ever has for a fight with McGregor.
He stayed patient. He stayed ready. And he never stopped believing that this would be the biggest moment of his career.
Now, that dream is gone.
Chandler has openly stated for years that he is the perfect opponent for McGregor. Stylistically and financially, the fight would have been the biggest payday of his career.
Even his time on The Ultimate Fighter was spent building the rivalry and setting up a future showdown.
Because he was so committed to chasing this opportunity, Chandler remained inactive, fighting only once since 2022. That gamble now looks devastating in hindsight.
The UFC moving on means Chandler must now reset his career direction entirely. He remains a big name, but without the McGregor fight, he loses the blockbuster moment that he had been promised indirectly.
Dana White’s Uncertainty About McGregor’s Future Adds to the Confusion
Adding another layer to the situation, White didn’t just rule out the Chandler fight, he also expressed uncertainty about whether McGregor will even return to action.
White told Complex:
“We’ll see if Conor’s going to come back or not. We’ve been talking about it for a while. We’ll see. We’ll see how it plays out. I don’t know, though.”
This is the most undecided White has sounded in years regarding McGregor’s future. The Irish star hasn’t fought since July 2021, when he suffered a catastrophic leg break in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier.
Since then, McGregor has remained one of the most famous athletes in the world, but his fighting career has stalled. Injuries, film projects, business commitments, and promotional complications have all contributed to the delays.
White’s uncertainty suggests that nothing is guaranteed, not even McGregor’s participation in the White House event that the UFC has been heavily promoting.
McGregor Fires Back with Confidence: “Pick Who Ya Want!”
Unsurprisingly, Conor McGregor responded swiftly and confidently to White’s comments. Using his signature bravado, he addressed the situation on social media.
On X (formerly Twitter), McGregor posted:
“Pick who ya want! The Mac sweats nothin and nobody. I’m tasty shots.”
This message shows two things clearly:
- McGregor is unfazed by the end of the Chandler matchup.
- He wants the UFC and fans to know he’s ready for anyone.
His reaction reinforces what he’s been saying publicly for months: that he intends to fight on the UFC White House card no matter what.
Even though the Chandler option is gone, McGregor is positioning himself as a fighter willing to take on whoever the promotion selects.
His confidence remains unchanged even if the situation around him appears shaky.
Chandler’s Belief vs UFC Reality: A Massive Disappointment
Before Dana White’s recent comments, Chandler truly believed that he was next in line for McGregor.
He repeatedly told the media that everything was “moving in the right direction,” hinting that the UFC was working behind the scenes to finalize the bout.
Chandler trained like he was already in camp. He paused other opportunities. He was fully committed.
Now, this sudden shift from the UFC feels like a rug pulled out from under him.
While Chandler is one of the most exciting fighters on the roster, the UFC has chosen to go in another direction.
With the promotion focusing on the White House card and wanting something fresh, Chandler looks to have been left behind as McGregor’s comeback plans evolve.
The UFC White House Event Needs a Big Opponent for McGregor
The UFC’s White House event is shaping up to be one of the biggest cards in company history. Dana White has promised an event unlike anything the promotion has done before.
With McGregor set as the main attraction, the UFC now needs:
- A compelling opponent
- A fight that matches the scale of the event
- A matchup that sells on a global level
Chandler fit that description years ago, but not anymore.
The UFC may now be looking at options such as:
- A rematch with Dustin Poirier
- A rematch with Nate Diaz
- A fight with Justin Gaethje
- A high-profile but unexpected matchup that grabs headlines
White confirmed that serious planning for the event begins in February, meaning a McGregor announcement might not be far off.
But whoever gets the call, it won’t be Michael Chandler.
Why the UFC Has Moved On from Chandler
There are several reasons behind the UFC’s decision to abandon the Chandler fight:
1. The matchup is old news
White said it himself, this fight was relevant “a couple of years ago,” but not anymore.
2. Chandler’s inactivity hurt the hype
He hasn’t fought since 2022, and his ranking has slipped. The momentum is gone.
3. The UFC wants fresh storylines
A return to the White House calls for something truly massive and new.
4. McGregor’s unpredictability makes long-term planning risky
The promotion needs flexibility, not a fight tied to years of delays.
With these factors combined, it makes sense why the UFC decided to move on.
McGregor’s Return Remains an Enigma, But the Hype Is Strong
Even with uncertainty surrounding McGregor’s future, one thing is clear: his return will dominate global sports coverage.
McGregor is still the UFC’s biggest draw, and the White House event offers a historic platform for his comeback.
Whether it’s a rematch, a fresh rivalry, or a strategic matchup designed to boost pay-per-view numbers, the UFC is treating this as one of the most important events it has ever promoted.
And despite White’s doubts, McGregor continues to insist that he will fight, keeping fans locked in and ready for the announcement.
The UFC White House Card: What Fans Can Expect
The UFC has confirmed that:
- Planning begins in February
- The card will take place on the White House South Lawn
- It will feature some of the biggest names in the sport
- McGregor will be the centerpiece of the event
Dana White has repeatedly promised that this show will be “fireworks,” and with McGregor involved, the expectations are sky-high.
The promotion will want a fight that:
- Has global appeal
- Draws huge pay-per-view numbers
- Fits the historic setting
- Helps reintroduce McGregor in a major way
The matchup is still a mystery, but with Chandler officially out, the UFC is now free to explore bigger and more current options.
Conclusion: McGregor vs Chandler Is Over, and the UFC Has Moved On
Dana White’s recent comments have finally ended years of speculation. The Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fight is not happening at UFC White House or anywhere else.
The matchup is dead.
Chandler loses the biggest opportunity of his career, while McGregor stays focused on returning against whoever the UFC picks.
Despite the uncertainty around McGregor’s future, his star power remains unmatched, and the White House event is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cards in UFC history.
Fans now wait for February, when matchmakers begin finalizing the lineup and the UFC announces who will stand across from McGregor on the White House South Lawn this summer.
One thing is certain: McGregor’s return will be the centerpiece of a historic night, just not against Michael Chandler.