Michael Chandler shuts down Conor McGregor UFC 329 injury conspiracy theories: ‘He’s not a quitter’

Michael Chandler has leapt to Conor McGregor's defence in the wake of widespread speculation surrounding McGregor's shocking UFC 329 comeback loss to Max Holloway. The fight ended after just 69 seconds when McGregor suffered a leg injury, leaving fans and observers questioning whether the former two-division champion had arrived at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas compromised or unfit to compete.

Chandler, who was scheduled to face McGregor at UFC 303 before a toe injury sidelined the Irishman, firmly rejected conspiracy theories suggesting McGregor deliberately showed up for a payday. "One thing he is not, he's not a quitter," Chandler said in an Instagram video. "One thing he is not, is a bamboozler." The lightweight contender argued that McGregor's aggressive opening—jumping across the cage and throwing a kick within seconds—is characteristic of his fighting style across his entire career, and that such an injury could happen to any fighter once the cage door closes.

Chandler also defended the UFC's integrity, stating the promotion would not orchestrate such a scenario to draw viewers on a Paramount stream. He noted that McGregor had been out since July 2021, when he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier, and had recently made public commitments to religion and rigorous training in preparation for his return.

According to Chandler, McGregor's opening gambit—spinning wheel kicks and flying strikes within the first moments—is a deliberate tactic designed to establish dominance and make opponents remember they are facing "a dominant human being." The body, Chandler explained, is unpredictable; even fighters with proven durability can suffer catastrophic injury from a single misstep. He emphasized that regarding competition, McGregor is "strictly professional" and a "man of honor and integrity," especially after his previous withdrawal from their scheduled UFC 303 bout.