Dana White talks Conor McGregor not being Michael Chandler's next opponent, confirms Irishman's return timeline

Dana White has addressed combat sports megastar Conor McGregor's scheduled matchup against Michael Chandler falling apart. White shed light on McGregor's potential return timeline as well.

McGregor's MMA hiatus dates back to his gruesome mid-fight leg injury at UFC 264 (July 2021). The Irishman appeared in a coaching capacity on the UFC's TUF (The Ultimate Fighter) Season 31 in 2023, opposite lightweight contender Michael Chandler. They were scheduled to clash in a welterweight bout at UFC 303 (June 29, 2024). However, a toe injury ruled 'The Notorious' out of it.

Chandler later agreed to face former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a rematch at UFC 309 (Nov. 16, 2024). Additionally, Chandler and Oliveira have both expressed interest in a possible big-money matchup against McGregor.

Meanwhile, McGregor had been lobbying for a 2024 return. Nevertheless, the MMA legend recently acknowledged that his comeback would likely materialize in 2025.

UFC CEO and President Dana White recently spoke to Kevin Iole and asserted that Conor McGregor would return in 2025. Nevertheless, White didn't expound upon the exact date and stated:

"I said that Conor wasn't fighting until 2025. It is October 1st of 2024. Conor McGregor has plenty of time ... I'm gonna go with 2025. Yeah. 2025."

Watch Dana White address the topic below (6:00):

During the DWCS (Dana White's Contender Series) 74 post-fight press conference on Oct. 1, 2024, a reporter seemed to reference Michael Chandler's recent remarks and ask whether the UFC is done with the McGregor-Chandler matchup altogether.

'Iron' had suggested that though he himself is fighting other opponents, McGregor's comeback fight will ultimately be against him.

White addressed the McGregor-Chandler-Oliveira situation and harked back to what he'd told Iole. The UFC head honcho indicated that McGregor would return in 2025 but it's unclear whom he'll fight. The 55-year-old stated:

"I have no idea. Like I said to Kevin today, you know, Conor will fight in 2025. So whoever is -- however it plays out, as we lead up to him being ready, I have no clue."

Check out Dana White's comments below:

Watch the DWCS 74 post-fight press conference below (13:03):

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Conor McGregor eyes return in 2025, potential welterweight title fight

Conor McGregor attended the Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois IBF heavyweight championship fight at Wembley last month. Speaking to Ariel Helwani at the boxing event, McGregor addressed Michael Chandler getting matched up against Charles Oliveira.

The former UFC two-division champion wished Chandler the best and signaled that he'd like to fight him to settle their feud. McGregor underscored that he'll be prepared for whenever he's scheduled to return, but he acknowledged that it's unlikely to happen this year.

Watch Conor McGregor address the topic below:

Furthermore, during a subsequent Duelbits live stream, Conor McGregor jibed at multiple foes. McGregor notably called out reigning UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, who's long been a vocal critic of his.

Presently, the consensus is that Muhammad is likely to defend his belt against undefeated welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov next. That said, the welterweight kingpin responded to McGregor's challenge, seemingly jibed at the quality of the wins on his résumé, and appeared to be willing to fight the MMA icon.

Check out McGregor's call-out and Muhammad's response in the tweets below: