Chandler defends McGregor after UFC 329 injury exit: 'He is not a quitter'

Michael Chandler has come to Conor McGregor’s defence following the Irishman’s abrupt exit at UFC 329, dismissing suggestions that McGregor knowingly competed injured and expressing confidence that the two will eventually meet inside the Octagon.

McGregor’s long-awaited comeback after a five-year absence ended within seconds of his rematch with Max Holloway at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, when a knee injury forced a premature stoppage. The result prompted widespread speculation that McGregor had entered the bout carrying the problem, a claim Chandler flatly rejected in an Instagram post.

“I would be absolutely surprised, like the most surprised on the planet, if Conor just showed up for a paycheck, limped in there and said, ‘I don’t care, I’ll give you guys one minute, shave my head into a mohawk, show up, do the intros and then just bow out a minute later,’” Chandler said. “You can say what you want about Conor, but one thing he is not, is a quitter, one thing he is not, is a bamboozler. The body is unpredictable and every fight is unpredictable.”

Chandler, who starred opposite McGregor on The Ultimate Fighter and was previously booked to face him before their 2024 bout was cancelled, remains convinced that a matchup between the two is still on the table.

“I believe he wants to fight me; I believe he tried to fight me; I believe that’s how the negotiations went, other plans were made, but the honor and the integrity of wanting to stick to and be a man of his word since he pulled out of that fight back in 2024,” Chandler explained. “I know everyone is disappointed, but keep on watching — this ain’t the last you’re gonna see of Conor McGregor and I’m excited to see how it plays out.”

McGregor, a former two-division UFC champion, has confirmed he will undergo surgery on the knee and has stated his intention to return and fight out the one remaining bout on his UFC contract.