He speaks with confidence but without bravado. Michael Chandler is convinced: the idea of a bout with Conor McGregor isn’t a fantasy but a goal they’ve come closer to than ever. And the place he dreams of sounds as audacious as the matchup itself — the grounds of the White House. In this interview, Chandler explains why he believes the scenario is feasible, what he means by “reliability,” and how he handled last summer’s scrapped date.
Closer Than Ever
— Michael, you’ve said more than once that this fight has become more realistic. What has changed?
— The dynamics. It used to feel like a flashy headline. Now the puzzle is coming together: public interest, both sides’ readiness, and my gut feeling. I’ve always warned: you can’t ‘bet’ on Conor in the usual sense — he’s unpredictable. But right now, a lot has shifted.
The White House — A Symbol of Scale
— Why the White House as a venue?
— It’s a symbol. Not just politics, but the scale of the event. I want to put on a fight people will remember for decades. Conor and I have unfinished history, and resolving it at the country’s most iconic location — isn’t that a UFC-level challenge? It’s about the sport’s ambition.
Unfinished Business with Conor
— What do you mean by “unfinished business” between you?
— We’ve been circling each other for a long time. There’s mutual respect and a clash of styles that hooks the fans. Conor is a name that draws attention. I’m the guy who shows up to work. We owe it to everyone to bring this rivalry to the cage.
Reliability Over the Poster
— You often emphasize the word “reliability.” What do you mean?
— In this crazy sport there are no guarantees. You can argue about purses and posters, but on weigh-in day and fight night the person who makes weight and doesn’t look for excuses has to walk to the cage. I’ve never missed weight and I’ve never pulled out of fights. That’s professionalism to me.
Last Year’s Cancellation: How I Got Through It
— Your fight with McGregor was supposed to take place last June, but it fell through due to Conor’s injury. How did you feel?
— Disappointment is a normal reaction. But it’s no reason to complain. Injuries happen. I doubled down on work, kept my shape, and kept my hunger. If you want big fights, you have to be ready to wait and keep the pace.
What’s Next — and When
— Are you ready to name a timeline?
— Naming dates is tempting fate. My job is to be ready for the moment of ‘yes.’ If the chance appears, I’ll step in tomorrow. The White House? If there’s an opportunity to make that idea happen, I’ll do everything I can to see it through. Fights like this push the UFC forward — and they test our durability.
