Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Michael Chandler, Conor McGregor, UFC, MMA
James Taylor
Michael Chandler has revealed the brutally honest remark his wife made while he was waiting to fight UFC star Conor McGregor.
Back in February 2024, during Monday Night RAW, Chandler publicly called out McGregor for a fight.
The bout was then originally scheduled for UFC 303 in June 2024, but McGregor pulled out just two weeks before the event due to an injury.
The fight was meant to mark the Irishman's return to the octagon, having not competed since he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021.
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However, McGregor has has indicated he will return for the UFC event at the White House in June 2026.
Chandler, meanwhile, has also been absent from the octagon for a long time, last competing in April, when he lost to Paddy Pimblett.
The American fighter has since signed with Real American Freestyle (RAF) and is set to make his pro-wrestling debut against Chad Mendes in November.
Since early 2024, Chandler has been eager to fight McGregor.
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Although that fight was cancelled last year, it is expected to finally take place at the UFC White House card next year.
Chandler revealed that his wife felt he had 'lost himself' during the waiting period.
He said: "It was a personal decision for me.
"My wife, I believe a woman's discernment in a marriage is the most coveted thing I have in my life.
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"She finally, was like, 'hey babe, your brand and who you are and why people love you is you are a guy who takes action.
"And I think somewhere along the way, you kind of lost yourself a little bit, because you're a man of words so you want the fight to happen, so you want to finish it because you're a man of your word."
UFC White House is an event scheduled for June 14 2026 on the south lawn of the White House.
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The occasion will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, and will be the first time a major sporting event has been held at the president's residence.
Given the unique venue, the event has received attention from some of UFC's biggest names.
While McGregor appears set to make his long-awaited return against Chandler, UFC president Dana White has insisted no fights will be confirmed until February 2026.
The delay leaves fans to speculate about other fights, including a potential heavyweight showdown between Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones.