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UFC Veteran Teases Date for Heavily Pursued Conor McGregor Showdown

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated May 29, 2025 4:58 PM ET

Conor McGregor may not have stepped into the cage lately, but he’s never too far from the spotlight. The former two-division champion has kept himself in the spotlight—whether it’s promoting his brands, sparking headlines on social media, or dropping training footage laced with just enough chaos to keep fans guessing. While there’s been no official news on a fight return, new developments have ignited fresh intrigue. A UFC veteran may have just hinted that a long-awaited showdown could finally be on the horizon.

Michael Chandler, last seen inside the Octagon at UFC 314 where he suffered a third-round knockout loss to Paddy Pimblett, has once again set the MMA world buzzing. Chandler has been relentlessly campaigning for a fight with McGregor since 2021, and this week, he took to social media with a pair of cryptic but revealing posts. Captured by Championship Rounds, the first read simply:
‘1-24-26’
The second? Even more direct:
‘Conor!!!!’

Michael Chandler via. Threads

"Conor!!!!!
1/24/26"

pic.twitter.com/TgmmiBXuyJ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 29, 2025

What does it mean? It’s anyone’s guess. While Chandler’s message has no official backing, it hints that a date may be in play—whether from the UFC or a potential outside venture remains unclear. But fans aren’t exactly sold. Social media was flooded with responses like ‘Chandler gotta let it go…’ and ‘Just stop. It’s not happening’, highlighting growing fatigue over Chandler’s years-long pursuit of McGregor.

As for the UFC, President Dana White has previously stated McGregor has two fights remaining on his contract.

Whether one of those will finally be against Chandler remains uncertain, but the window for this long-teased clash is narrowing. Until official word drops, all fans can do is watch—and wait.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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