Breaking: Michael Chandler reportedly booked for rematch against ex-rival at UFC 309, won't face Conor McGregor next

According to UFC CEO Dana White, Michael Chandler will not be facing Conor McGregor next.

McGregor vs. Chandler has been in the works for almost two years, and the pair even featured as opposing coaches for season 31 of 'The Ultimate Fighter'. After numerous rumored dates, they were billed to face each other at UFC 303 in June.

However, with just weeks left for the event, the Irishman was forced to withdraw owing to a toe injury. Instead of pairing up 'Iron' with a replacement opponent, the promotion went with a new main event between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka.

With McGregor possibly out of action until 2025, Chandler wants to wait no further to get back into the mix. Talking to Robbie Fox for Spinning Backfist, White said:

"No, [Chandler will not be facing McGregor next]... Chandler said, 'I'm done waiting, I want to fight.'"

In a social media update following the interview, Fox elaborated on Chandler's plans, revealing that he would face former rival Charles Oliveira in his next outing.

However, this doesn't mean that 'Iron' will not get a chance to face 'The Notorious' in the future. The MMA personality elaborated on the situation following a phone call with the UFC head honcho, saying:

"We got to issue a quick correction on the breaking news that Conor McGregor will not fight Michael Chandler in his UFC return. Dana said there was a little misunderstanding in our exchange, that fight [McGregor vs. Chandler] still may happen, but Michael Chandler is taking a fight first, he is getting a fight first and it'll be against Charles Oliveira in a five-round co-main event at MSG [Madison Square Garden] [at UFC 309]. The Conor fight still may happen in the future, but Michael Chandler is taking that fight first. We'll see what happens."

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Conor McGregor slams Michael Chandler

Conor McGregor is far from happy with Michael Chandler snubbing him for Charles Oliveira. The former UFC two-division champion has now demanded a date for his MMA return.

Following Dana White's revelations regarding 'Iron's' plans, in true McGregor fashion, 'The Notorious' took to social media to slam the former three-time Bellator lightweight champion, writing:

"Chandler saw that takedown getting stuffed and mauled and officially dipped. Little fat p***y. I'm at the Hard Rock Hotel, Florida for the Bare Knuckle tonight. Got tested earlier today by DFSI [Drug Free Sport International]. Give me my f*****g date."