The convenience of having WWE and the UFC under one banner is now showing, with Michael Chandler appearing on WWE RAW on Monday night to call out would-be opponent Conor McGregor.
While UFC CEO Dana White has often suggested there is little crossover between the promotion’s fanbases, most pundits assumed that sooner or later, serious cross-promotion between the two entertainment entities would begin.
The time appears to be now. With both companies under the TKO Group Holdings banner, Chandler became the first UFC fighter to cross over to the confines of the WWE in the new era.
“What’s up, Anaheim? You are now in the presence of the most entertaining UFC fighter on the planet,” hollered Chandler in an on-air promo on RAW. “Hey, now there’s a man from Ireland who’s been making me wait way too long, and I still have got one dude on my mind. Conor McGregor, get your candy ass back to the octagon. We’ve got some unfinished business, boys. God bless. I’ll see you at the top!”
Chandler has become known for cutting pro wrestling-style promos in recent years, and is certainly no slouch on the mic. Neither of course is McGregor, who borrowed his “billionaire strut” from Vince McMahon.
As for the “candy ass” line, that may just be a reference to The Rock.
WHOA! 😲😲😲@MikeChandlerMMA just called out @TheNotoriousMMA on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/pUN2dUFW1r
— WWE (@WWE) February 20, 2024
Since WWE came together with the Endeavor-owned UFC under the TKO parent company last year, there have been a few sightings of WWE talent on UFC programming, but essentially just as spectators. CM Punk, who recently returned to the WWE fold after a controversial stint in rival promotion AEW, was in the house at UFC 298 in Anaheim on Saturday night.
Monday Night RAW, with Michael Chandler appearing, happened to take place at the very same venue. Notably, Chandler didn’t cut any similar promo for the UFC audience.
As for Chandler vs. McGregor, UFC President Dana White recently hinted it could take until fall for the fight to come together. No clear reason for the delay has been given; the two appeared as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31 last year.
