Conor McGregor praises Paddy Pimblett after losing a $500,000 bet while favoring Michael Chandler at UFC 314

Ahead of UFC 314, Conor McGregor placed a bet on Michael Chandler securing a win over Paddy Pimblett. The fighter invested a staggering amount of $500,000, believing that Chandler would knock out Pimblett. However, the results, unfortunately, did not incline in favor of McGregor and Chandler. Instead, it was Pimblett who secured a knockout win over the Iron. Reflecting on the loss, McGregor posted on X praising Pimblett for his significant development within the game while taking a friendly jab at Chandler.
On April 12, 2025, Conor McGregor posted a video of himself on X, announcing his bet via the platform DuelBits. The fighter stated, “What’s up everyone, it’s the one and only, The Notorious. I wanna wish you all a great Fight Night tonight. I come through with my bet for tonight.” the fighter continued, “The fight I am interested in - Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett. I am gonna go with Michael Chandler to win. And win by KO. Although Paddy has improved in his last few bouts, I still think Chandler can do it.”

Despite the confidence McGregor had in Chandler, the odds were in favor of Pimblett and the fight went in favor of the Baddy. Pimblett, in his post-fight interview, expressed his disappointment with McGregor not siding with him and instead siding with the fighter’s opponent. When asked about it during the interview, the fighter replied, “Even [Conor] McGregor putting money on Chandler to win, lad. The Irish-Scouse connection, he's meant to back me. 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?"

The fighter continued, “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."
Even though Pimblett called out McGregor in his reply, the Notorious has not explicitly responded to it. Instead the Irish fighter posted on X, where he praised Pimblett for the significant development he made within his fighting techniques.
“Chandler you mother***** you! Rest up, fair play. My history with Mike and the odds on him by KO swayed me to take the risk.” McGregor started off with a light hearted jab at Chandler, “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 happy days, ya’s’r welcome. Ah well, what’s $500,000 to an M G like me, can you please remind me? More than your purse. Thanks @Duelbits, best odds in the game! I’ll get it back I’m sure. In fact, I just did.”

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Despite the frequent posts by the fighter, McGregor has not hinted about his return to the Octagon anytime soon. Even the post showcasing the fighter in a sparring session was a hype up for the Michael Chandler vs. Paddy Pimblett bout at the UFC. Now, with Pimblett calling out the fighter at the press conference, only time will tell us if the fans will ever get to see the Notorious back in action.