Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon has faced a major hurdle due to his recent legal troubles. Ever since his appearance at TUF 31 as a coach against Michael Chandler, talks about the McGregor vs. Chandler fight dominated the fighting community. But the fight has yet to materialize. And now, about 3 years after the two were pitted against each other for the first time, the fight seems to have been pushed even further. But what does ‘Iron Mike’ have to say about it? 

During his appearance on ‘The MMA Hour’ with Ariel Helwani, the famed MMA reporter asked Chandler about his thoughts on McGregor’s apparent return in 2025. After all, he would be the first fighter who’d go up against the Irishman upon his return. While ‘Iron’ admitted that he didn’t clearly know about the legal stuff surrounding McGregor, it was a tough situation to be in. And the last thing that anyone would do was not train and move forward. 

The former Bellator champ said, “So, I’m sure he wants to get back in training. I think that’s what his statement said. He’s gonna be, you know, with his family. He’s gonna get back in the gym, you know. It’s a tough position. It’s a horrible position all around… So, I don’t really have anything else to say about it. But I do think that the best thing that he can do most likely, obviously, is to get back, moving toward a common goal.” 

And as far as his own training was concerned, Michael Chandler seemed ready to get back into the camp. He wasn’t letting the legal troubles take away his fated fight against ‘The Notorious’. ‘Iron’ continued, “And why not fight me? Why not be training to fight me middle of the next year, International Fight Week, before that? As soon as possible! I’m ready to get back into training camp right after January 1. And we can make that fight happen ASAP.” 

The ‘Mystic Mac’ was of a similar mindset. It didn’t take him long to get back into training and prepare for his epic comeback. After all, Conor McGregor planned to fight twice in 2025. But all that he needs to do right now is steer clear of the troubled waters.

Will Conor McGregor return to fight Michael Chandler in 2025?

“Last camp.. Next camp.” That was what the Irish fighter captioned one of his IG stories which showed him training for his return. And it was indeed timed right after the Dubin-based jury found him liable in the civil case filed by Nikita Hand. Needless to say, McGregor looked pretty desperate to climb out of his troubles and fight the last 2 bouts in his UFC contract. But to pull himself completely out, he desperately needs the court to accept his appeal. 

That’s right! After finding himself liable, McGregor decided to exercise his rights and filed for an appeal. He announced that in a tweet, quoting, “I will be appealing today’s decision. The judge’s instruction and the modest award given was for assault, not for aggravated or exemplary damages.” But for the time being, the Dubliner wanted to focus on his family and his future.

Regardless of the court’s decision, it is believed that the UFC wouldn’t cut its ties with McGregor. But in case he failed to bring the court on his side, his return might take a little while longer than expected. 

What do you think of Chandler’s opinion on McGregor’s return? Drop down to the comments below and let us know if you think McGregor would fight twice in the upcoming year.