Michael Chandler - trash talks and Quotes

“I'd absolutely love to smash Arman Tsarukyan in a wrestling match after watching him tonight”

– via The Schmo (January 11, 2026), responding to the challenge issued by Arman Tsarukyan following the latter's dominant debut at RAF 5.

“The odds are higher than they ever have been... Conversations are being had, things are moving in that direction. I'm gonna start training here very soon, laser focused on June”

– via ESPN MMA expressing massive confidence that the long—awaited showdown with Conor McGregor is finally landing in the summer.

“More skilled, more experienced, I think the better fighter all around is Justin Gaethje, but I've also been on record saying Paddy Pimblett is a lot better than people think he is... When I fought him in April in Miami, I'm not gonna say that I was surprised... but he's better than a lot of people give him credit for.”

– via recent interview with ESPN MMA, breaking down the UFC 324 interim title fight between his two former rivals.

“More skilled, more experienced, I think the better fighter all around is Justin Gaethje, but I've also been on record saying Paddy Pimblett is a lot better than people think he is... If I had to lean one direction, I’d go Justin Gaethje, and he beats Ilia Topuria later on this year”

– via ESPN MMA giving his final verdict on the UFC 324 interim lightweight title fight.

“More skilled, more experienced, I think the better fighter all around is Justin Gaethje, but I've also been on record saying Paddy Pimblett is a lot better than people think he is... If I had to lean one direction, I’d go Justin Gaethje, and he beats Ilia Topuria later on this year”

– via ESPN MMA giving his final verdict on the UFC 324 interim lightweight title fight.

“There’s a rumor going around, we can’t confirm nor deny it but it does sound like I might be handing Conor McGregor a good ol’ fashioned patented red, white and blue butt whooping on the south lawn of the White House some time this summer. That’s the plan.”

– via New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash on CBS officially pitching himself for the historic UFC White House event.

“The fight's already happening. He's brought in guys to his training camp to mimic my style”

– via his Instagram, stating his belief that the Conor McGregor fight is already a reality based on McGregor's training preparations.

“I do think in a stand up battle — Poirier hits hard, I've witnessed that but there's no way he hits harder than JDM. I think Islam's gonna get tagged a couple times... I give JDM a slight favor on that one”

– via The Ariel Helwani Show, comparing the power of Dustin Poirier and Jack Della Maddalena (JDM)

“I do think in a stand up battle — Poirier hits hard, I've witnessed that but there's no way he hits harder than JDM. I think Islam's gonna get tagged a couple times... I give JDM a slight favor on that one”

– via The Ariel Helwani Show, comparing the power of Dustin Poirier and Jack Della Maddalena (JDM)

“He said it was a done deal. Done deal reminds you of Conor circa 2016, circa 2017, 2014, back in the heyday... He was an any person, any time. anywhere, it's a done deal, Conor McGregor. Is he that guy? We don't know, but in his mind, it sounds like it's a done deal... I'm the guy he wants to fight, at the White House, on the lawn. The fight makes a ton of sense. He is a man of his word. We have a contract that was signed and then ripped up because of his doing [referring to UFC 303]. So, I do feel more confident about it”

– via Ariel Helwani show

“Jiri vs Rountree is WHY WE LOVE THIS SPORT. Anyone, anytime can turn the tide. What. A. Fight. #ufc320”

– reacted after Jiri's win at UFC 320

“In my heart of hearts, I think I'm fighting Conor Mcgregor at the white house.”