Conor McGregor: Michael Chandler is adamant that Conor McGregor will fight him upon his UFC return

Michael Chandler is adamant that Conor McGregor will fight him upon his UFC return

Modified Sep 20, 2024 12:17 GMT

Michael Chandler (left) is certain he will be the man to welcome Conor McGregor (right) back to the UFC [Images courtesy: Getty Images]

Michael Chandler is confident that he will be Conor McGregor's opponent when the Irishman returns to the UFC. The pair were set to clash in 2023 after completing season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, where they served as respective coaches.

But a delayed re-entry into the USADA testing pool saw McGregor's possible 2023 return shut down. Their highly anticipated matchup was then expected to materialize in 2024, and a fight date was even announced by the promotion.

Their clash was set for UFC 303, however 'The Notorious' was forced to withdraw from the bout several weeks before fight night after breaking his toe in training. The matchup has not been re-scheduled, as Chandler will now face off against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.

But 'Iron' believes that upon the Irishman's return to the octagon, he will be the man stood across from him. During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, he said this:

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"I still stand firm in the notion that Conor McGregor is coming back, and when he does his road goes through Nashville, Tennessee and Michael Chandler, and we finish The Ultimate Fighter. But it's not gonna be my next fight. I am Conor's next fight, but he is not my next fight. I'm willing to go bet it all."

Watch Chandler's interview below (6:35):

Could Michael Chandler be misinformed about being Conor McGregor's opponent?

Michael Chandler appears to have moved on to greener pastures as the continual delays for his expected fight with Conor McGregor became too much to bear.

But the former lightweight title challenger has remained firm that the return of the Irishman will include himself.

Should he defeat Charles Oliveira in convincing fashion, 'Iron' may have a case to be made. However, a loss for Chandler will severely affect his stock with the promotion.

Following the announcement that a rematch between Oliveira and Chandler would be taking place at UFC 309, the company's CEO Dana White was interviewed by Robbie Fox.

During the interview, Fox asked if McGregor would still fight 'Iron' when he returns to the octagon.

White said: