Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) also hasn’t fully moved on from fighting McGregor. He recently told MMA Junkie Radio that “Conor McGregor is not my next opponent, but I am Conor McGregor’s next opponent.”

McGregor vs Chandler was announced in February 2023 but faced numerous delays, before the latter finally accepted a new opponent last month

With his Ultimate Fighter rival Michael Chandler now booked, Conor McGregor is eyeing other names for his UFC return.

Conor McGregor claims he will now be making his comeback on Feb. 1 in Saudi Arabia — with a different opponent in the Octagon.

Conor McGregor has claimed he would like to fight UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad as he looks to decide on an opponent for his return to the sport next year. McGregor had agreed to fight American lightweight Michael Chandler at UFC 305 in June, before pulling out after injuring his toe in the lead-up to the fight.

Conor McGregor has not competed in combat sports in more than three years, with his last appearance coming when he broke his leg at UFC 264 in July 2021.

Conor McGregor is hoping to run it back against two of his biggest rivals when he returns to the UFC. Per Jed Meshew of MMA Fighting, McGregor said during

Conor McGregor discusses his return to the cage, still open to Michael Chandler bout but also interested in settling feuds with Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz.