Michael Chandler hints at January 2026 UFC return fight with Conor McGregor

Chandler proposes January 2026 date for McGregor bout
Michael Chandler has reignited talks of a potential UFC fight with Conor McGregor by suggesting a new date for their long-delayed matchup. Posting on the social media platform Threads, Chandler wrote “Conor!!!!! 1/24/26,” hinting at a possible return event early in 2026.

The former Bellator lightweight champion and McGregor were originally expected to face each other following their coaching roles on The Ultimate Fighter: Season 31 in 2023. Despite initial plans to schedule the bout after the season concluded, it failed to come together. McGregor later withdrew from a proposed UFC 303 headliner due to a reported toe injury.

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Following the cancellation, Chandler returned to the Octagon for a rematch with Charles Oliveira in November 2024, and later fought Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314. Losses in both contests extended Chandler’s losing streak to three, matching the longest skid of his professional career.

The UFC has scheduled events only through UFC 320 on September 13, 2025. A January 24, 2026 event would likely be the promotion’s first pay-per-view card of the year, as the UFC traditionally pauses operations in late December and early January.

McGregor’s UFC future remains unconfirmed
As of now, there is no confirmation that the UFC has engaged in discussions with either fighter about booking a bout for 2026. Conor McGregor has remained publicly silent on his fighting future.

McGregor’s last UFC appearance occurred nearly four years ago during a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier, which ended with McGregor suffering a leg injury and a second consecutive defeat. Prior to that, the Irish fighter returned in 2020 after a long layoff to score a 40-second victory over Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone at UFC 246.

McGregor rose to international prominence with his 2016 knockout victory over Eddie Alvarez, securing titles in two UFC weight divisions. He subsequently participated in a high-profile boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in 2017, before returning to the UFC for a failed title attempt against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018.

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Chandler’s latest callout adds to ongoing speculation surrounding McGregor’s potential return. While the January 2026 date may be tentative or speculative, it highlights Chandler’s continued interest in facing the former UFC champion despite recent setbacks.