UFC superstar Conor McGregor has weighed in on Dana White’s viral remarks dismissing Michael Chandler as his comeback opponent.
Almost five years removed from his most recent UFC Octagon appearance, Conor McGregor is targeting a return to the cage at the UFC’s upcoming event at the White House in June. McGregor, who hasn’t fought since a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, announced his comeback plans last year, not long after the news broke about the White House card.
Despite Michael Chandler being the most likely option for McGregor’s comeback, the former two-division UFC champion has opened up the doors to other options in recent weeks. One of whom is Floyd Mayweather Jr., whom McGregor called out for an MMA fight, promising a 10-second win.
McGregor vs. Chandler seemed like the most logical fight to headline the UFC White House card this summer. But, not so fast, says UFC CEO Dana White.
Dana White’s shutdown of Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight raises eyebrows
In a recent sitdown with Complex, White was asked about the UFC’s plans for McGregor’s comeback and whether or not Chandler was still the targeted opponent.
“No, that was a couple years ago,” White said of McGregor vs. Chandler.
White is referencing the UFC 303 fight cancellation after McGregor withdrew from the scheduled Chandler fight due to a toe injury. He and Chandler competed as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31.
In a recent tweet, McGregor seemed to respond to White’s remarks.
“Pick who ya want!” McGregor said.
“The Mac sweats nothing and nobody. I’m TASTY SHOTS.”
McGregor is searching for his first UFC victory since knocking out Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 in 2020. He lost back-to-back fights to Poirier in 2021, including his first UFC defeat by knockout at UFC 257.
Chandler has lost five of his last six fights, including most recently against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314. Despite his recent struggles, Chandler is optimistic about the chances of fighting McGregor, although White’s recent admission cast a cloud over that possibility.