Conor McGregor still really wants to fight Michael Chandler, but he’s started exploring alternative options for his comeback bout.
McGregor has been on the sidelines since breaking his leg during a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
‘Notorious’ was booked to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June, but he broke his pinky toe in training and opted to withdraw from the contest.
Rather than wait for McGregor, Chandler has agreed to take a rematch with Charles Oliveira, who previously knocked him out to win the lightweight title, at UFC 309 on November 16.
Conor McGregor wants to settle his beef with Michael Chandler
The Irishman hopes that he’ll get the chance to fight Chandler after they agreed to face each other in February 2023 before clashing while filming a series of The Ultimate Fighter.
However, he’s unsure if the American will be ready for his return date.
Now he’s considering other options for his first fight in well over three years.
“We are looking for the date,” McGregor told The Schmo.
“I’d like to square it away with Michael Chandler. You know, I’d like to get Chandler in, we’ve had our beef, and it’s not settled.
“He has a match scheduled. I would like to fight before he’s recovered.
“There’s a few names in the line at the minute. There’s a few names being discussed.”
Michael Chandler is 100% sure he’ll fight Conor McGregor in 2025
McGregor may have his reservations, but Chandler is sure that taking an interim fight with Oliveira will not stop him from scrapping with ‘Mystic Mac’ next year.
The former three-time Bellator champion believes beating ‘Do Bronx’ will put him in the perfect position as the number one lightweight contender and make his fight with McGregor even bigger.
“I’ve made a pivot from McGregor to fight Charles Oliveira and become the No. 1 contender for the UFC lightweight title,” Chandler said during an interview with ESPN.
“There’s no doubt that Chandler versus McGregor happens at some point in 2025. And there’s no doubt that when I beat Charles, I’m next in line for the title.
“Both of those fights will happen. I will fight for the title, and I will fight Conor McGregor. And I will bet the farm on it.”
- READ MORE: Who is Michael Chandler? Meet the iconic lightweight MMA fighter with a flare for the dramatic