Conor McGregor has spoken out after losing a substantial $500,000 wager on the Michael Chandler versus Paddy Pimblett contest at UFC 314. The former two-division champion took the financial setback in stride, offering a humorous response while acknowledging Pimblett‘s impressive performance.
McGregor had backed Chandler to score a knockout victory in the co-main event, but his prediction fell short as Pimblett showcased superior striking skills en route to a third-round TKO win.
Taking to social media platform X, McGregor addressed the outcome with his characteristic bravado:
“Chandler you motherfo*ker 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.”
The Irish superstar, known for his financial success outside the octagon, downplayed the monetary loss while taking a playful jab at the fighters’ purses:
“Although the division is woeful, it is equal, and equal brings good fights. So happy days, ya’s’r welcome. Ah well, what’s $500,000 to an M G like me, can you please remind me?”
This isn’t the first time McGregor has placed significant bets on UFC events, demonstrating his continued engagement with the sport despite his recent absence from competition.
Pimblett, meanwhile, expressed surprise at McGregor‘s decision to back Chandler during his post-fight press conference.
“Even [Conor] McGregor putting money on Chandler to win, lad. The Irish-Scouse connection, he’s meant to back me,” Pimblett said.
The Liverpool native even suggested a potential future matchup with McGregor:
“So if he wants it, he can get it as well… I didn’t think he’d go against me, to be honest. I thought he’d back me and not Chandler, but it’s one of them isn’t it?”
Pimblett continued by imagining a hypothetical conversation with McGregor:
“I don’t know if I’ll ever see him. You never know, I’ll say to him ‘what happened there? Fu**ing hell, the Irish-Scouse connection, you’re meant to back me, but you went for the Yank instead.’ But, it’s one of them, if he ever wants to come back, I’ll be here waiting.”
With this victory, Pimblett continues his rise in the UFC’s lightweight division, while McGregor‘s betting loss does little to diminish his status as one of the sport’s biggest stars.
