Dana White has clarified that Conor McGregor’s upcoming fight will indeed be against Michael Chandler, not Justin Gaethje as some may have thought. Despite McGregor’s callout of Gaethje following his victory in the “BMF” title bout, White revealed that McGregor’s intention was to create confusion and mislead both the media and potential opponents, a tactic he enjoys employing. The anticipated clash between coaches McGregor and Chandler, following their appearance on The Ultimate Fighter 31, will proceed as initially planned, according to White’s current understanding.
White shared that he recently communicated with McGregor, confirming his eagerness to step back into the octagon. The directive to McGregor was to get back into fighting shape while they sorted out the details. When asked if Chandler remained McGregor’s opponent, White responded affirmatively, asserting that it’s “definitely Chandler.”
White shed light on McGregor’s penchant for messing with everyone’s expectations, particularly his adversaries. Despite McGregor’s previous indications of wanting to face Gaethje and his post-UFC 291 assertion of seeking to take on Gaethje, the fight against Chandler remains on the table. Gaethje, in response to McGregor’s challenge, had urged him to sign a contract, albeit with skepticism due to his belief that McGregor uses performance-enhancing substances.
Although McGregor had recently suggested that the UFC had lost interest in Chandler, White debunked that notion and confirmed the promotion’s ongoing interest in the matchup. Now, all that remains is for McGregor to ready himself for the fight and likely complete the mandatory six-month drug testing period under the oversight of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, a requirement for athletes exiting the drug testing pool unless the UFC grants an exemption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about McGregor-Chandler Fight Confirmation
What is the latest update on Conor McGregor’s next fight?
The latest update confirms that Conor McGregor’s next fight will be against Michael Chandler, as confirmed by UFC President Dana White.
Was there speculation about Justin Gaethje taking Michael Chandler’s spot in the fight?
Yes, there was speculation that Justin Gaethje might replace Michael Chandler as Conor McGregor’s opponent. However, Dana White clarified that McGregor’s callout of Gaethje was a tactical move to mislead the media and potential opponents.
Will the coach vs. coach fight between McGregor and Chandler still happen?
Yes, the anticipated fight between coaches Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, which was promised to fans after The Ultimate Fighter 31, will proceed as initially planned, according to Dana White.
Did Conor McGregor express interest in facing Justin Gaethje?
Yes, after his victory in the “BMF” title bout, McGregor made it seem like he wanted to face Justin Gaethje. However, White revealed that this was likely a strategy to create confusion and mess with his opponents.
What is the current status of McGregor’s fight preparation?
McGregor is expected to get back into fighting shape as he prepares for his upcoming fight against Michael Chandler. Dana White’s advice to McGregor was to focus on his conditioning while they sorted out the details.
Is there any indication of Conor McGregor’s readiness for the fight?
Yes, Dana White mentioned that he recently spoke to McGregor, and he expressed his eagerness to fight. McGregor’s intent is to be prepared for the upcoming match against Michael Chandler.
Did the UFC lose interest in the potential fight with Michael Chandler?
No, despite Conor McGregor’s suggestion that the UFC had lost interest in fighting Michael Chandler, Dana White debunked this notion and affirmed the promotion’s ongoing interest in the matchup.
What is the next step for McGregor before the fight?
Before the fight, McGregor will likely need to complete a mandatory six-month drug testing period under the supervision of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, unless the UFC grants an exemption. This is a standard requirement for athletes exiting the drug testing pool.
How has Justin Gaethje responded to Conor McGregor’s challenge?
Justin Gaethje responded to McGregor’s challenge by urging him to sign a contract. However, Gaethje displayed skepticism due to his belief that McGregor might be using performance-enhancing drugs.
Is there a tentative timeline for the McGregor-Chandler fight?
While specific dates were not mentioned in the provided text, the confirmation of McGregor’s fight against Michael Chandler indicates that the fight is in the works. However, exact timing details might not be available in the provided information.
