Michael Chandler’s hex joke sparks McGregor vs. Holloway 2 fallout

Michael Chandler’s lighthearted hex joke about Conor McGregor lit up MMA Twitter after the Irishman’s shock ending at UFC 329 on 18 June.

What happened?

Conor McGregor lasted barely 60 seconds in his long-awaited return against Max Holloway at UFC 329. The Irishman hurt his knee on a jumping kick, slipped repeatedly, and was pulled by the doctor after Holloway landed a flurry. It marked McGregor’s third straight loss and left fans questioning his future.

Belal Muhammad, the former UFC welterweight champion, fired off a playful jab at Chandler. “Michael Chandler put a hex on this fight,” Muhammad tweeted, tagging the American and sparking a wave of reactions. Chandler had been scheduled to face McGregor in 2024 before the Irishman broke a toe and pulled out.

Why it matters for Michael Chandler

Chandler’s presence at UFC 329 kept the McGregor link alive. He’d been angling for the fight for years, even hinting at a White House showdown. But the UFC booked Chandler to face Mauricio Ruffy at UFC Freedom 250 instead, where he was knocked out by the Brazilian in the second round.

Now Chandler’s jokes-real or not-keep the McGregor talk rolling. With both men on losing streaks, a future clash feels closer than ever. Chandler’s social media taunts and McGregor’s injury history make the matchup a natural next step.

What comes next?

McGregor heads to surgery after his latest knee damage. He’s already missed long stretches after past injuries, including the brutal loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. A quick return looks unlikely.

Chandler, meanwhile, stays on the hunt for a marquee name. His loss to Ruffy dropped him to 1-3 in his last four, but the McGregor buzz keeps his name in the headlines. The UFC may finally cave to the demand-especially if ticket sales spike.

For now, the hex joke lingers. Fans are split: curse or coincidence? Either way, it’s free publicity for a potential rubber match.