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Michael Chandler's McGregor Fight Path Revived as UFC Urged

2026-09-03 · Michael Chandler · Player Focus

Michael Chandler's long-awaited bout with Conor McGregor is back in the headlines after UFC commentator Joe Rogan publicly urged the promotion to return to the matchup. The call comes as Chandler remains in a holding pattern, his name still intrinsically linked to the biggest star in the sport.

Why is Joe Rogan pushing for Chandler vs. McGregor?

In a story published one day ago, Rogan argued the UFC should go back to Chandler for the McGregor contest. While the specific reasons from Rogan's comments weren't detailed in the source, his public advocacy puts significant pressure on the promotion to finally book a matchup that has been discussed for years. Rogan's platform gives the stalled negotiations a fresh jolt of public interest.

Chandler has been the most consistently named opponent for McGregor's return for over a year. He coached against the Irishman on The Ultimate Fighter in 2023, setting the stage for a bout that never materialized. Rogan's statement, reported by MMA News Staff, signals that key figures within the UFC ecosystem believe Chandler is the right and obvious choice.

What does Dan Hooker say about fighting Michael Chandler?

Lightweight veteran Dan Hooker recently reflected on being the man to welcome Chandler to the UFC. Hooker told Submission Radio that he took the matchup because "no one else would." He lost that debut bout, but the experience frames his current mindset.

"It's the same reason why I was the guy to fight Chandler," Hooker said in an interview from August 31. "None of these other guys in the division want to risk it for the biscuit. So they call up Dan Hooker, they offer him a bit of danger money, and he welcomes these boys to the big leagues." Hooker is now preparing to face another promotional newcomer, Salahdine Parnasse, in the main event of UFC Fight Night 287 in Paris this Saturday.

His comments highlight Chandler's immediate impact upon arrival. Chandler didn't just beat Hooker, he knocked him out in the first round, instantly announcing himself as a top contender. That explosive start made the McGregor matchup a perpetual topic.

Where does this leave Michael Chandler's UFC career?

Chandler's window for a legacy-defining payday is narrowing. His last outing was a loss to Justin Gaethje in November 2023, a brutal war that was named Fight of the Year. Since then, his career has been in a state of suspended animation, waiting on McGregor.

The inactivity is a major problem for any competitor, but especially one known for his frenetic pace and willingness to engage. Chandler's brand is built on excitement, and he can't generate that from the sidelines. Rogan's push is a timely reminder of the contest fans still want to see, a potential remedy for Chandler's stalled momentum.

Hooker's recollection of their clash also serves as a reminder of Chandler's strengths. He is a powerful wrestler with concussive striking, a style that promises fireworks against anyone, but particularly against McGregor's precise counter-punching. The narrative is perfectly set, which makes the continued delay so frustrating for all involved.

  • Joe Rogan has urged the UFC to book Michael Chandler vs. Conor McGregor.
  • Dan Hooker fought Chandler in his UFC debut, a contest he took because "no one else would."
  • Chandler knocked Hooker out in the first round, immediately establishing himself as a top contender.
  • The proposed McGregor bout remains the biggest story surrounding Chandler's career.

Chandler's next move is the subject of intense speculation. Will the UFC heed Rogan's advice and finally make the matchup? Or will continued uncertainty force Chandler to look elsewhere? For now, the American star must wait, his name once again circulating as the solution to the McGregor puzzle.

More Michael Chandler news →