Michael Chandler Shares Update on Conor McGregor UFC Fight

Will the two UFC stars finally settle things in the cage next year?

Michael Chandler firmly believes that he'll be the fighter that welcomes Conor McGregor back to the UFC in 2024. 

It’s now been well over two years since McGregor last stepped into the cage for his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, where he suffered a broken tibia that brought the fight to an unfortunate end.

UFC Signs Undefeated 6'7" Olympic KO Machine

A coaching role on Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter opposite Chandler was meant to help build anticipation for McGregor’s return, but unfortunately the 35-year-old won’t be competing again until at least some time next year.

UFC 300 has been repeatedly discussed by fans as a possibility for McGregor's return, and Ariel Helwani recently asked Chandler about the chances of them fighting at that milestone event.

McGregor last competed at UFC 264.  :: (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“Nobody would like the hypothesizing to stop more than me,” Chandler said on The MMA Hour. “I don’t have any information. Obviously [UFC 300] would be a dream scenario. That’s when I would like to fight, where I would like to fight, who I would wanna fight…It’s definitely gonna happen next year.”

A number of intense exchanges during their time on TUF did help build fan interest in a Chandler vs. McGregor matchup, however “The Notorious” hasn’t been shy about calling out other names for his return fight in recent months.

UFC CEO Dana White Reacts to Jamahal Hill's Arrest: "I Literally Don't Know Anything"

There’s been some speculation among fans and fighters that it might be time for Chandler to move on from the McGregor matchup at this point, but “Iron” maintains that he’ll be the one standing across from the Irishman when he finally returns to the UFC at some point next year.

McGregor and Chandler appeared as coaches on TUF 31.  :: (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

“I’ve seen Conor talk about other opponents. I’ve seen Conor talk about different dates. I’ve seen Conor talk – completely dismiss me and act like the fight with me isn’t happening. These are all ways that these guys try to get inside people’s heads…He’s trying to wait me out, smoke me out. But I’m gonna be waiting here man.”

Even if “The Notorious” has proposed potentially higher-profile matchups like a showdown with BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje, a fight with the #5-ranked Chandler could put McGregor right back into the mix at the top of a stacked lightweight division that is currently ruled by Islam Makhachev.

UFC Lawsuit Reveals Damning Fighter Negotiation Emails

If you use any quotes from this article, please leave an H/T to MMAKnockout.com for the transcription.

Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA

Follow MMA Knockout on Twitter and Facebook.