Dana White drops massive bombshell about the return of Conor McGregor ahead of Michael Chandler's comeback on UFC 309

UFC president and CEO Dana White has given a massive update on when fans can expect to see Conor McGregor return to the octagon.

Ever since McGregor's last fight in the UFC against long-term rival Dustin Poirier back in July 2021, MMA fans have eagerly been awaiting his return.

The Irishman had been scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29 this year, but pulled out of the event in Las Vegas after breaking his toe.

And now, UFC boss White has provided a huge update about when McGregor is likely to fight next, and who he is expected to face.

Speaking on The Jim Rome Show, White was asked if McGregor will still face Chandler when he eventually makes his UFC return.

"That's a fun fight, I think Conor and Chandler both like that fight," replied the 55-year-old.

"When Conor comes back, which I see being sometime in the later part of next year, we'll see where everybody is at and what's going on and we'll figure out who faces Conor.

"But there's no denying, that's why everyone was so excited about it, Chandler and Conor McGregor is a fun fight."

McGregor and Chandler have long been set to meet in the octagon, with rumours of their future bout circulating from the beginning of 2023.

The rivalry between the pair reached its peak in the summer of 2023 as they each featured as coaches in The Ultimate Fighter, but they are yet to face one another.

Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler coached the 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter last year. (Image: Getty)

While McGregor continues to spend time on the sidelines, his scheduled opponent Chandler has decided to return to the octagon on Saturday night for UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden.

The American will face off against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in the co-main event of the evening, with heavyweight champion Jon Jones defending his belt against UFC legend Stipe Miocic at the top of the card.

Speaking to Fox Sports about his long-awaited fight with McGregor, Chandler said: "When Conor comes back, his road comes back through Nashville, Tennessee and Michael Chandler.

"Say what you want about Conor, he's nothing without the UFC and he's nothing the sport of MMA and I think he knows that.

"It's a stain on his legacy if he doesn't come back and fight me."