"We're real close here" - UFC veteran says he has "inside scoop" on Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight date

Conor McGregor has not competed in mixed martial arts since breaking his leg when he faced Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 more than three years ago. 'The Notorious' appeared set to make his highly-anticipated return to the octagon against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June, however, he was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a pinky toe injury.

The former double champ has expressed an interest in returning in December at UFC 310, which is set to be the final pay-per-view of the year. Chael Sonnen recently revealed he heard rumors that, despite McGregor's desire to fight in 2024, the bout will take place early next year. Speaking on his podcast, Beyond the Fight, the former three-time title challenger stated:

"Well, I think Conor is sincere that he would like to fight [at] 170 pounds [at the] T-Mobile Arena [in] December 2024 opposite Michael Chandler under the unified rules of the mixed martial arts. I believe him. I don't think that's a ploy for attention. I believe an inside scoop that I'm getting that the UFC wants all of those same things - they just want it in January in California."

He continued:

"I mean, it sounds like who are you going to believe? I understand. That's the question to everything. I'm sharing what I believe, and for very good reason, but that sure sounds close. I mean, that sounds like we're real close here.

"We've never quite been in a situation like this and I do have to wonder what is this fight about? I was blown away with the evidence that Conor McGregor top-draw red panty night is still in full effect to the extent that it is."

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments on Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler below:

The clash between McGregor and Chandler has been nearly two years in the making as the pair were announced as the hosts of season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter in February 2023. 'Iron' has also been largely inactive as he has not competed since UFC 281 in November 2022.

Dan Hooker reveals why he called out Conor McGregor

Dan Hooker extended his winning streak to three and jumped into the top five of the lightweight rankings with a split decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305. He used his octagon interview after the bout to make a shocking callout to Conor McGregor. Speaking to Oscar Willis of The Mac Life, 'The Hangman' revealed his intention behind the callout, stating:

"I didn’t necessarily call him out, I just said that because I am an absolute troll, so it’s like the biggest troll move you could do of all time is to snake that fight off [Michael] Chandler. Like, he waits all that time and then Conor just fights me anyway, like, that would be gold. Like, I would feel like the biggest snake troll of all time. I'll get my black belt in the troll Olympics."

Check out Dan Hooker's comments on calling out Conor McGregor below (starting at the 7:49 mark):

While all signs point toward McGregor facing Chandler next, their UFC 303 bout was canceled - not postponed. Despite the technicality, however, it is unlikely that he would opt for a different opponent.