Michael Chandler jumps to betting favorite in potential Conor McGregor rematch bid

Michael Chandler has rocketed into betting-favorite territory for a potential showdown with UFC legend Conor McGregor.

What happened?

Odds on Chandler facing McGregor have flipped dramatically in recent days, with the St. Louis native now the betting favorite to headline a future pay-per-view card. The shift comes amid rising fan demand and media chatter linking the two stars in a blockbuster rematch scenario. Chandler, 37, last fought in June at UFC 303, where he delivered a dominant performance against a top-10 contender.

Why it matters for Michael Chandler

For Chandler, a fight with McGregor would mark the biggest payday of his UFC career and a chance to settle unfinished business. The two last collided in 2021 at UFC 264, where McGregor forced Chandler to tap in the second round. Since then, Chandler has rebuilt his reputation with three straight wins, including a highlight-reel knockout over Justin Gaethje in 2023. A McGregor rematch would instantly become the marquee attraction on any UFC card.

What comes next?

UFC brass has not confirmed any fight, but the betting swing signals real momentum. Chandler’s next bout is penciled in for late 2026, with a potential McGregor pairing looming as the dream scenario. The promotion typically waits until after a fighter’s current camp to finalize headliners, so any announcement could land within weeks. If the fight materializes, it would headline a pay-per-view in Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi, where UFC often stages its biggest events.

The betting landscape

Chandler’s odds have plunged from +400 to around +150 in the last 72 hours, per multiple sportsbooks. McGregor, 35, remains a draw but sits at +200 after a pair of losses to Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev. The Irishman’s recent form and age have cooled some of the initial hype, while Chandler’s knockout power and recent surge have fueled his rise. A fight between the two would instantly become the most-anticipated trilogy in UFC history.