Conor McGregor says Michael Chandler is no longer the only possible opponent for his comeback fight.
‘Notorious’, who has been inactive due to injury since 2021, was scheduled to fight Chandler at UFC 303 in June, but pulled out after breaking a toe.
McGregor has now been out for over three years since breaking his leg against Dustin PoirierGetty
McGregor wants to return before the end of 2024, but UFC chief Dana White has ruled that out, expecting his biggest star to fight in early 2025.
Chandler, having sat still for two years, grew tired of waiting for McGregor and booked a rematch with Charles Oliveira for November.
Now, in a fresh update on his comeback, McGregor suggested that might not fit with his new timeline and a list of alternatives is under consideration.
Speaking to The Schmo, McGregor said: “We are looking for a comeback date.
“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.
“So there’s a few names in the line at the minute. There’s a few names being discussed.”
Nevertheless, Chandler still fully expects to fight McGregor in 2025.
The American told ESPN: “I’ve made a pivot from McGregor to fight Charles Oliveira and become the No.1 contender for the UFC lightweight title.
“There’s no doubt that Chandler vs McGregor happens at some point in 2025.
McGregor and Chandler competed together on The Ultimate Fighter in preparation for their highly-anticipated boutGetty
“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.”
In a separate interview with the Daily Mail, Chandler suggested McGregor is looking for easier opponents to fight.
The lightweight fighter added: “He’s fought through injuries before, as seen on the documentaries he released.
“I never wanted to sound full of myself but there are a lot of easier fights for him to take.
“But if he comes back, the road is through Nashville, Tennessee, and Michael Chandler.”
He continued: “It’s a clear path, I am next in line. You can’t do a season of The Ultimate Fighter and not fight.
“He signed a contract, and we had a gentlemen’s agreement. We both put butts in seats and people are going to be intrigued by anything Conor does.”
