Michael Chandler Thinks He'll Fight Conor McGregor on UFC White House Card

UFC lightweight Michael Chandler is still holding out hope that he will face Conor McGregor, and he has an idea of when their fight will go down.

Chandler and McGregor were scheduled to fight since filming season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter reality competition series in 2023, but injuries and other issues have kept McGregor out of the Octagon. The Irishman hasn't fought since suffering a broken ankle in his second straight loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

Still, Chandler feels the announced UFC event at the White House in 2026 presents the perfect opportunity for him and McGregor to finally settle the score.

"I think we're closer now than we ever have been," Chandler told MMA Fighting's Damon Martin about McGregor fighting again. "I've always said if you're a betting man, don't put money on him necessarily coming back, but now this changes things a lot. In my heart of hearts, I think I'm fighting Conor McGregor at the White House and that sure does make a ton of sense for a multitude of reasons."

After growing tired of waiting for McGregor, Chandler booked fights against Charles Oliveira and Paddy Pimblett, losing both of them. He's now ranked 12th in the lightweight division, so he won't be receiving a title shot anytime soon.

Without a chance to fight for the lightweight championship, it makes sense for Chandler to turn his attention back to McGregor. Despite his lengthy absence, he remains one of the biggest stars in the company, and a fight against him undoubtedly would garner a massive payday.

Chandler added that he would be satisfied with being booked on the White House card no matter the opponent, but he feels that facing McGregor will be the best option.

"First and foremost, I want the White House," Chandler said. "Ideally, if it becomes Conor, that would be awesome. We have some unfinished business. I've got respect for him, he's got respect for me, but we do have [some] unfinished business."