McGregor vs. Chandler: Why the 2024 UFC Fight Never Happened
Michael Chandler publicly welcomed a December 2024 fight with Conor McGregor, but UFC CEO Dana White said in August that McGregor would not compete again that year. The bout did not happen in December; the UFC’s 2024 schedule changed after McGregor withdrew from UFC 303 with an injury, and no replacement date was set that year.
Chandler said he was ready
After their June 29, 2024 bout at UFC 303 was postponed, Chandler continued to say he was willing to fight McGregor later in the year. In an interview reported by ESPN, he said a December date was possible. McGregor also discussed a possible return, but no new fight date was officially announced.
Dana White ruled out a 2024 return
On August 14, White told reporters McGregor would not fight in 2024. White said the two had spoken, but the UFC was not scheduling a bout for that year. Chandler’s willingness alone could not secure the matchup, and the UFC did not announce a December booking.
The proposed fight did not take place
The UFC 303 postponement followed McGregor’s withdrawal from the June event after an injury. Although both athletes publicly discussed fighting, they did not meet in 2024. Reports about possible dates and training plans should be read as speculation unless backed by an official UFC booking.
For more background, read our coverage of McGregor’s UFC comeback discussions, plus our UFC and MMA coverage.
Sources:
Reuters: Dana White says McGregor will not return until at least 2025
ESPN: Chandler on a possible December fight
UFC: June 2024 report on the UFC 303 card change
Sources
Tags: MMA
