It’s been years since the hype first began, but Michael Chandler still believes the Conor McGregor bout will happen. The anticipation that once electrified fans has gone, replaced with quiet disbelief, but Chandler refuses to give up. He has maintained the same passion and belief in McGregor, speaking about him as if the fight is just around the corner. But for most MMA fans, the wait has gone from exciting to exhausting.

The man who was once on the verge of stardom now feels stuck in limbo. Every interview tells the same story, with the same promise: the McGregor bout is still “the plan.” MMA fans have read this tale too many times. But as ‘Iron’ spoke again this week about being “confident” in 2026, social media did not share his optimism. Instead, it answered with reality.

MMA fans go off on Michael Chandler’s hopes of a Conor McGregor fight

Michael Chandler’s confidence filled the room as he sat down with Ariel Helwani. In the interview, ‘Iron’ recalled the old Conor McGregor, who fought on short notice, thrived in chaos, and carried the sport on his back. And while many may believe that ‘The Notorious’ is a changed man now, Chandler insists that the same fire still exists within the Irishman.

“In his mind, it sounds like it’s a done deal—that’s what he wants. I’m the guy who wants to fight at the White House on the lawn. The fight makes a ton of sense. He’s a man of his word,” he told Ariel Helwani. Although Michael Chandler is confident, he understands that Conor McGregor is not the same fighter he was years ago; therefore, whether or not the bout will take place remains to be seen. Still, his hope remains high, but for fans, it’s all nothing but simple déjà vu.

And, as expected, the social media reaction was swift and brutal. “Poor guy still don’t get it,” one fan wrote. “Not again, Mike,” another remarked. “😒 Give it a break already!” One viewer commented, “I feel bad for this guy, man. He’s blind to what we see perfectly clear.” What began as encouragement for Chandler’s passion has turned into frustration. People weren’t mocking his determination; they were simply tired of his optimism.

Others went even further, stripping away the sentiment altogether. “Did anyone wake up today and say, ‘I wonder what Michael Chandler wants to do next?'” wrote one user. “Nobody cares,” another replied. “The fight we didn’t ask for,” “This isn’t going to happen.” “Nobody wants to see it.” The tone was unanimous: Chandler’s fixation with McGregor had become self-parody.

Even those who continued to imagine the fight did so with irony. “Both gassing out by the end of round 2,” one laughed. Another user stated, “It would last shorter than the Aldo fight.” The internet had spoken—what once represented hype now feels like nostalgia. Fans were no longer expecting a spectacle but rather two fighters chasing ghosts from their primes. And yet, beneath all the sarcasm, there’s something undeniably tragic about it.

Michael Chandler isn’t delusional; he desperately wants the closure that the fight represents. He’s the fighter who came late to the UFC, made every callout count, and entertained fans even when he lost. Now he’s caught between ambition and acceptance, chasing a fight that may never happen but defines who he’s become. And even if he gets it, he knows that it will be a do-or-die event for ‘Iron.’

Michael Chandler admits he desperately needs a win

Despite his confidence in the Conor McGregor fight, Michael Chandler understands how precarious his situation has become. After three consecutive losses and a year without a win, belief alone is insufficient. The dream bout with ‘The Notorious’ is no longer about fame or money; it is about survival. ‘Iron’ told Chris Van Vliet, “(I need a win) pretty badly. The goal is always to win, obviously. Fighting Conor is a great fight; I love that fight.”

It was a rare moment of honesty from one of MMA’s most relentless competitors, a glimpse of the man beneath the bravado. Despite this honesty, he refuses to lose his fire. He still refers to himself as “an athlete,” ready for any weight or setting, whether it’s 155, 170, or higher. He speaks of developing game plans, analyzing opponents, and preparing for fight camp. It has the tone of a man trying to convince himself, rather than the fans, that the story is not over.

The McGregor fight, if it ever comes, represents more than just a paycheck for Chandler. It’s a lifeline: a chance to rewrite a career that has been equal parts disaster and daring. That’s the paradox of Michael Chandler. Every loss diminishes his legacy, yet every word reminds fans why they still support him. He’s not looking for glory anymore; he’s looking for relevance, redemption, and one final chance to shine under the spotlights.