Let there be no doubt. Dana White is not interested in Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler for the UFC White House card scheduled for June 14. This comes after Chandler waited nearly three years following an agreement for a fight against Conor McGregor. In recent months, McGregor had confirmed in multiple interviews that ‘Iron’ would be his opponent on the historic card. However, White has pulled the rug from underneath Chandler. 

Dana White revealed in an interview that he is no longer interested in booking the fight, noting that it’s old news. But Chandler wasn’t giving up. “Obviously, it’s not encouraging… But I’ve also heard many things that were… just flat-out false… all we can just do is hope and pray,” Chandler said. But those words have fallen on deaf ears.

Dana White still loves Michael Chandler (but seemingly just not enough)

Dana White recently appeared in an interview with ESPN MMA, where he was asked about the status of the fight. The host pointed to Chandler’s continued optimism about still being included on the card against Conor McGregor. However, White’s priorities at the moment are different. “My entire focus is on the launch this weekend,” White told ESPN, referring to Zuffa Boxing’s debut event at the UFC Apex.

“I have got boxing on Friday, UFC on Saturday, and Sunday I am watching the Patriots—go to the Super Bowl. And Monday, we are all in on the White House fight,” White added during the interview. “We don’t have anything laid out [for White House]. Nothing! It will all start on Monday. And no disrespect to Chandler. We love Chandler. You don’t have enough time on your show to talk about how awesome Chandler is… Yeah, that’s not the fight we are going with.”

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Clearly, Michael Chandler is getting the short end of the stick here. For years, the 39-year-old stood as a prime example of what many fans call ‘Dana White privilege’—from undeserved title shots to landing marquee matchups despite back-to-back losses.

He was also the ultimate company man and a vocal supporter of Dana White and the UFC. The former Bellator champion has upheld his end of the deal time and again, only for McGregor and (now White) to hang him out to dry.

Chandler came over from Bellator as a three-time lightweight champion over a 10-year run. He was 34 years old when he made his debut in January 2020, which is usually the tail end of an average UFC lightweight’s prime.

Between 2020 and 2023, he amassed a 2-3 record against the lightweight Murderers’ Row of Dan Hooker, Charles Oliveria, Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Tony Ferguson. Then came the unfortunate McGregor era.

After a bloody loss to Poirier, Chandler signed on to coach The Ultimate Fighter 31 against ‘The Notorious’ with a fight against the Irishman targeted for later in the year. But due to McGregor’s issues with USADA, that fight was pushed to June 2024. McGregor’s toe injury forced the bout’s cancellation, and the long-anticipated fight ultimately never materialized.

In November 2024, Chandler finally took a step in a different direction and faced Charles Oliveira for a second time, only to lose by a decision. In April 2025, he was beaten and bloodied in a TKO loss to Paddy Pimblet. So, it’s not hard to see why Dana White does not see him as a shiny welcome gift for McGregor’s comeback.

Michael Chandler will have to look elsewhere to make money. In the meantime, reports suggested that an entirely different name may be emerging as the frontrunner to face Conor McGregor on the White House card later this year. Jorge Masvidal! However, that too was debunked by White. But Chandler appears to have someone else to keep him busy. 

Chandler chooses Arman Tsarukyan as a second option to Conor McGregor

Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Michael Chandler openly acknowledged Arman Tsarukyan’s persistence, noting how the lightweight contender has “done a really good job of staying relevant” by calling out top names and staying active in grappling competitions. Chandler admitted Tsarukyan’s wrestling performances at Real American Freestyle impressed him, calling him “busy” and effective on the mats.

While Chandler reiterated that his “plan A” remains fighting at the White House—an indirect nod to McGregor—he didn’t shy away from the reality that both of their futures are uncertain. Crucially, Chandler made it clear he’s open to action now, stating, “I think I am interested… yeah, I’ll wrestle against him.”

It is unlikely that Tsarukyan entertains a fight against Chandler at this stage of his career. If they face off, it will be on the mats of the RAF, which has been attracting several wrestling-heavy UFC stars.

Michael Chandler seems to be slowly but surely coming to terms with being booted from a fight against Conor McGregor on the UFC White House card. What do you think Chandler should do next?