Max Holloway tells Michael Chandler to 'keep hoping' for McGregor fight
Max Holloway has advice for Michael Chandler now that he landed the Conor McGregor fight the Iron veteran spent more than two years chasing.
After McGregor and Chandler's Ultimate Fighter rivalry failed to produce a bout — owing to McGregor's toe injury and subsequent scheduling issues — the UFC sent them different directions. Chandler got high-profile spots on major cards while McGregor drew Holloway for UFC 329, reprising their 2013 matchup. When asked about Chandler's belief that he might still get the fight, Holloway told FOX Sports Australia to "keep hoping, man."
Holloway on unlikely rematches and Chandler's chances
"He's a strong believer. Anything could happen, bro," Holloway said, per MMA Mania. "Look, I've been calling Conor out for a minute and I thought this fight was never gonna happen. I thought the fight was gonna happen five to eight years ago. Now you're telling me 13 years later I'm rematching this guy after everything that he ran into and what's going on in life. Now we're here, it's crazy. To Chandler, you know, keep training, you never know what happens."
Chandler turned 40 in April and carries a four-fight skid, three of those losses coming by stoppage. Fans have called for his retirement based on recent performances, though the UFC brass still values him for marquee spots. His chances of another big-name opponent in 2026 may hinge on whether CEO Dana White extends his usual patience for aging fighters stuck outside the win column.
UFC 329 does not yet have an announced date.
Original reporting:
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