Conor McGregor reacts to losing $500,000 after UFC 314 bet gone wrong
Conor McGregor has reacted after losing a $500,000 bet on Michael Chandler, who suffered a one-sided TKO loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 in Miami.
UFC superstar Conor McGregor placed his money and support behind longtime rival Michael Chandler ahead of UFC 314, but the gamble proved costly. Chandler was defeated by Paddy Pimblett via third-round TKO in Saturday’s co-main event, handing McGregor a $500,000 loss.
Pimblett delivered a dominant performance, leaving Chandler bloodied in what was considered the Liverpudlian’s most convincing UFC win to date. The result dashed Chandler’s hopes of climbing back into the lightweight title picture and extended his losing streak to three.
McGregor, who had been scheduled to fight Chandler at UFC 303 before pulling out due to injury, shared his reaction on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the result. “Chandler you motherf—– you! Rest up, fair play,” he posted. “My history with Mike and the odds on him by KO swayed me to take the risk. My head did say Paddy.”
Chandler you motherfooker you! Rest up, fair play.
My history with Mike and the odds on him by KO swayed me to take the risk.
My head did say Paddy. He’s improving but with a way to go yet.
Although the division is woeful, it is equal, and equal brings good fights.
So…The former UFC double champion continued, “Ah well, what’s $500,000 to an M G like me, can you please remind me? More than your purse. I’ll get it back I’m sure. In fact, I just did.”
McGregor has remained out of action since his 2021 defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 but continues to generate headlines. He recently teased retirement and announced a surprise bid for the Irish presidency earlier this year.
Chandler, meanwhile, falls to 2-5 in his UFC career following the loss. As of this writing, he has yet to issue a detailed statement on his performance against Pimblett.