Michael Chandler still wants to fight Conor McGregor, but won't wait forever

Michael ChandlerThe Christmas wish is to put your fist through Conor McGregor's face on the UFC's December card — and although Santa can't help here — Dana White and Iron Mike is desperately hoping to book the long-awaited fight as the main event of UFC 310!

TMZ Sports spoke to 38-year-old Chandler on Wednesday … and asked the #6 world ranked lightweight for his reaction to White's recent statement that McGregor (and by extension Michael) will DO NOT fight in 2024.

“If [Conor and I] can fight in December, let's do it. I'm in. But the fact is I've remained ready since I left training camp for the fight on June 29th, and I remain ready to take a fight. Any fight, if that fight doesn't look like it's going to happen in December,” Chandler told us.

Although Dana has seemingly made Conor's appearance in 2024 impossible, Michael still hopes that a contract will be reached this year.

“From what I understand, there are some very big prospects in this fight by the end of the year. And Conor is ready, I'm ready. Let's sign on the dotted line!”

Mike – who has been fighting against Dustin Poirier in November 2022 – also addressed the critics who accused him of waiting for Conor and ending up with nothing. The UFC star says he has absolutely no regrets.

“I've gotten more promotions, probably seen some pretty decent changes, and I'm very happy with my decision.”

As for McGregor's response to Dana, it is quite clear that Conor will not give up on the December target date either.

“Ah Dana, December is the date!” McGregor wrote in an X-post that he has since deleted.

“End the calendar year with a winning event! Come on, what is that? I'm going up next month to prepare. DECEMBER! Tell Dana and UFC WE WANT DECEMBER! WE DESERVE DECEMBER!”

Chandler's conclusion: “The UFC organizes fights that make sense, that excite the athletes and that excite them. And I think they're screwing up big time if they don't organize this fight.”