Michael Chandler now betting favorite to face Conor McGregor

Michael Chandler has emerged as the betting favorite to land Conor McGregor's next fight, according to odds posted by BetOnline. The former Bellator champion sits at plus-200 to face the Irishman, followed by a Max Holloway trilogy at plus-300.

The shift comes after McGregor suffered another injury at UFC 329, leaving his return timeline uncertain. Chandler, who famously shelved his career for nearly two years waiting for the McGregor pairing that fell apart in 2024 due to a broken toe, now finds himself back in pole position despite a brutal four-fight skid. The 40-year-old has dropped decisions to Charles Oliveira and Paddy Pimblett and absorbed a one-sided loss to Mauricio Ruffy since his coaching stint opposite McGregor on The Ultimate Fighter.

Where Chandler stands in the McGregor sweepstakes

BetOnline lists Nate Diaz at plus-500, Jorge Masvidal at plus-700, Justin Gaethje at plus-800, and Dustin Poirier at plus-1000. Pimblett, who outpointed Chandler earlier this year, trails at plus-1100. A Khabib Nurmagomedov comeback sits at plus-2000, the longest shot on the board.

McGregor recently hinted at openness to the Chandler matchup in social media exchanges, though his track record of false starts raises questions about whether he steps into the Octagon again at all. For Chandler, who turns 41 in April, another extended layoff may carry little downside given his recent form. The question now is whether the UFC books the bout or whether Chandler's patience runs out first.

Photo: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

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