UFC commentator Jon Anik has voiced skepticism over the long-rumored showdown between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler for the UFC White Home occasion this June, suggesting the matchup lacks substance for the light-weight division. Talking on the Jaxxon Podcast, Anik expressed his doubts concerning the pairing that’s been within the works for the reason that two coaches confronted off on The Final Fighter season 31 in 2023.
Why Does a UFC Insider Think Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler Is a Waste?
“That fight does nothing for me,” Anik stated plainly. “That matchup, to me, is not a bout of consequence in the lightweight division. They’ll probably fight at 170; I just would rather see Conor fight Nate Diaz, Mauricio Ruffy, or somebody else.” The comment highlights a growing divide between what fans might expect for McGregor’s return and what some analysts believe makes competitive sense at a historic venue like the White House South Lawn on June 14.
The McGregor-Chandler saga has stretched over multiple years with frustration mounting on both sides. Chandler, now 39 years old, waited for McGregor’s return through 2023 and into 2024, only to have UFC 303 scrapped in June when McGregor sustained a broken pinky toe during training. The Irish fighter hasn’t competed since a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, leaving him sidelined for over 5 years. His solely victory in that span got here through 40-second knockout of Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 in January 2020.
Chandler’s recent form adds another layer of concern. The former Bellator champion suffered a TKO loss to Paddy Pimblett in April 2025 and has recorded just two victories in his last seven UFC outings, with notable losses to Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje amongst his latest report. At light-weight, he presently ranks outdoors the highest contenders, making a battle with an inactive McGregor much less consequential for divisional rankings.
Anik’s alternative suggestions carry legitimate appeal. A trilogy between McGregor and Diaz would settle their 1-1 report from 2016. Their earlier conferences generated huge income, UFC 196 drew 1.5 million pay-per-view buys with an $8.1 million gate, whereas UFC 202 pulled in 1.65 million buys, making it the second-most bought occasion in UFC historical past. Mauricio Ruffy, a rising Brazilian light-weight ranked at quantity 86 with a 12-2 report highlighted by latest first-round finishes, represents brisker matchmaking that would spark intrigue on the light-weight stage.
McGregor has been coaching severely since November 2025, with coach John Kavanagh confirming the fighter is “one hundred pc in” on his comeback. Nonetheless, McGregor stays suspended till March 20, 2026, on account of USADA problems from missed assessments in 2024, making any battle affirmation contingent on regulatory clearance. Dana White hasn’t finalized any White House card matchups, stating the promotion will solely start constructing the occasion in February.
Whether or not McGregor lands Chandler, Diaz, or one other opponent stays unclear, however Anik’s commentary displays a rising sentiment that the narrative round his return could matter greater than who really steps throughout from him when he lastly does battle.
