Optimistic Conor McGregor still hopes to fight Michael Chandler in 2025 UFC comeback: “I’d like to get that squared away”

After two years of failed negotiations, Michael Chandler will not return to the octagon against Conor McGregor. The former Bellator lightweight champion will instead rematch Charles Oliveira, further clouding the scene for McGregor.

However, McGregor remains optimistic about a fight with 'Iron' in 2025. As one of the most notable attendees of the Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois fight card, 'The Notorious' was interviewed backstage by Ariel Helwani.

Speaking on his immediate future, McGregor said:

"[Michael Chandler] got re-matched. It is what it is... Whenever [my return] is and wherever it is, I will be 100 percent ready... It does not matter [who I fight]. As long as I can get back... I'd like it to be Chandler. I'd like to get that squared away so I wish him well against Oliveira but let's see how it goes."

Check out Conor McGregor's comments below:

Chandler and Oliveira are scheduled to meet in the UFC 309 co-main event in a rematch of their title fight at UFC 262. Like McGregor, Chandler has expressed a persisting interest in facing the Irishman potentially after his upcoming bout to conclude their saga.

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What happened in Conor McGregor's last fight?

Regardless of who he faces, once Conor McGregor returns, it will end the longest layoff of his professional MMA career. The 36-year-old has taken several absences from the cage in the past but has endured his most trouble after breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

Since the loss, McGregor has had further complications with his recovery and a debacle with USADA that delayed his highly anticipated return. Aside from the inactivity, 'The Notorious' has not secured a win since beating Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 in January 2020.

McGregor has confirmed that he has two fights remaining on his current UFC contract and has not been direct on his future plans.