Conor McGregor is returning to the UFC, but no one knows when. Earlier in 2023, UFC President Dana White presented fans with the surprising news of the Irishman’s return. Originally, the plans for McGregor included a stint in TUF 31 against rival coach Michael Chandler and a subsequent return to the UFC Octagon.

While The Ultimate Fighter’s recent season has ended, there has been no update on the UFC megastar’s return, well until now! 2023 is coming to an end, and McGregor has still not entered USADA’s testing pool. A situation like this has inevitably triggered the fans to think of one major possibility – What if Conor McGregor is not going to fight Michael Chandler? However. recently, ‘The Notorious’ himself offered a candid statement about this.

Conor McGregor sends a message to Michael Chandler

For the last few weeks, the conversation about Chandler opting for a different opponent has been in the air. Many UFC gurus and fans think a financially lucrative bout against UFC’s first double champ might become a reality for Chandler. However, McGregor does not think so!

Recently, the Irishman was caught in the camera’s lens by All Out Fighting during a public appearance. When asked about his fight against ‘Iron Mike,’ surprisingly, ‘The Notorious’ had a positive response to it. “Yes, (the fight against Chandler) has to be,” he said. Further, he even issued a strict warning against the former Bellator champ.

Read More – Opinion: Conor McGregor Should Leave the UFC?

“Chandler, sit there and wait and shut your mouth,” he said. Apparently, McGregor is still interested in a fight against Chandler and is considering it an infallible possibility. Moreover, this small yet impactful statement might be enough to rebuild a bit of hope in fans’ hearts.

Can Conor McGregor come back at UFC 296?

Not so long ago, UFC President Dana White announced the main event for UFC 296, the promotion’s last event of the year. Everyone was hoping for McGregor vs. Chandler to be the main event. However, White’s shocking announcement revealed that the main event instead featured Leon Edwards and Colby Covington.

After this news, disheartened, the MMA enthusiasts had stopped considering McGregor’s UFC 296 a possibility. But the Irishman thinks otherwise! In the same appearance, he also talked about coming back at UFC 296.

Watch This Story– Watch: UFC star Conor McGregor’s only win by submission in MMA

“I am still hoping out for December,” he said. This statement means that fans can soon receive the news they have been waiting for. Do you think Conor McGregor will fight Michael Chandler at UFC 296? Comment down below.