UFC Insider would rather see Conor McGregor fight Nate Diaz than Michael Chandler in the White House

UFC commentator Jon Anik has expressed his skepticism about the long-rumored showdown between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler for the UFC White House event in June, suggesting the matchup has little substance for the lightweight division. Speaking on the Jaxxon Podcast, Anik expressed his doubts about the pairing that has been in the works since the two coaches faced off on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2023.

Why does a UFC insider think Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler is a waste?

“That fight doesn’t mean anything to me,” Anik stated bluntly. “That matchup doesn’t hold much significance for me in the lightweight division. They’ll probably fight at 170; I’d rather see Conor fight Nate Diaz, Mauricio Ruffy or someone else.” The comment highlights a growing gap between what fans can expect from McGregor’s return and what some analysts think is competitive at a historic venue like the White House South Lawn on June 14.

The McGregor-Chandler saga stretches over several years, with frustration mounting on both sides. Chandler, now 39 years old, was waiting for McGregor’s return through 2023 and 2024, but UFC 303 was scrapped in June when McGregor suffered a broken pinky finger in training. The Irish fighter has not competed since a loss against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, sidelining him for more than five years. His only win in that span came via a 40-second knockout over Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 in January 2020.

Chandler’s recent form adds yet another area of ​​concern. The former Bellator champion suffered a TKO loss to Paddy Pimblett in April 2025 and has recorded just two wins in his last seven UFC appearances, with notable losses against Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje are among his recent record. As a lightweight, he is currently outside the top contenders, meaning a fight with an inactive McGregor will have less impact on the division rankings.

Anik’s alternative suggestions have legitimate appeal. A trilogy in between McGregor and Diaz would even out their 2016 record of 1-1. Their previous meetings generated huge revenues, UFC 196 drawing 1.5 million pay-per-view buys with an $8.1 million gate, while UFC 202 pulled in 1.65 million buys, making it the second most bought event in UFC history. Mauricio Ruffy, a rising Brazilian lightweight ranked at No. 86 with a 12-2 record highlighted by recent first-round results, represents fresher matchmaking that could lead to intrigue at the lightweight level.

McGregor has been training seriously since November 2025, with coach John Kavanagh confirming the fighter is “100 percent into” his comeback. However, McGregor remains suspended until March 20, 2026 due to USADA complications from missed tests in 2024, meaning any fight confirmation is subject to regulatory approval. Dana White has yet to finalize any card matches at the White House and claims the promotion won’t start building up to the event until February.

Whether McGregor lands Chandler, Diaz or another opponent remains unclear, but Anik’s comments reflect a growing sense that the story surrounding his return could be more important than who actually faces him when he finally fights.