Conor McGregor talks settling Michael Chandler "beef" next year, discusses future fight plans: "There's a few names being discussed"

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. After a series of delays, he appeared set to return to the octagon at UFC 303 in June against Michael Chandler after the pair coached opposing sides of season 31 of 'The Ultimate Fighter'.

'The Notorious' was forced to withdraw from the bout with a pinky toe injury, leading 'Iron' to temporarily move on by accepting a UFC 309 clash with Charles Oliveira. Speaking to The Schmo, McGregor answered who he would face next:

"We're looking for the date. Hopefully, I'd like to square it away with Michael Chandler. I'd like to get Chandler in. We've had our beef. It's not settled. He has a match scheduled. I'd like to fight maybe before that - or before he's recovered and what not so there's a few names in line at the minute. There's a few names being discussed."

Check out Conor McGregor's comments on his return to the octagon below (1:51):

McGregor did not list any opponents, however, he did name two former opponents he hopes to face once again. 'The Notorious' claimed a trilogy with Nate Diaz and a tetralogy with Dustin Poirier are both big fights that he wants at some point. It is unclear if either opponent would be the one to welcome him back in his highly-anticipated return to the octagon.

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Conor McGregor claims 2024 has been Alex Pereira's year

Alex Pereira has been very impressive in 2024, defending his light heavyweight title three times in the past six months. Conor McGregor offered 'Poatan' plenty of praise, claiming that he should be the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.

Speaking to The Schmo, 'The Notorious' suggested that Pereira should chase a belt in a third division before adding:

"2024 has been Alex Pereira's year. No one can deny that. And if we go by that, forget belts, forget any of that, it's in competition. He's four fights this year, four KO's and his most impressive one was most recently. I'd put Alex as No.1."

Check out Conor McGregor's full comments on Alex Pereira below (2:36):

It is hard to deny that Pereira has been the most impressive fighter in the UFC this year. 'Poatan' has the most title defenses of any champion in 2024, finishing each of his three opponents. Despite his strong year, Islam Makhachev remained the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter in the latest update of the rankings.