'I talked to Conor yesterday': UFC president Dana White confirms McGregor's next opponent

Conor McGregor's next bout has been the subject of intense speculation and avid anticipation in the MMA community. Earlier in the year, it was announced by UFC president Dana White that McGregor will make his UFC return at the end of the year against Michael Chandler. The Irishman was quite vocal about the fight initially, but lately, McGregor appears to have lost interest in the possibility of a confrontation with Michael Chandler, his opponent coach on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 31. The recently minted 'BMF' champion Justin Gaethje is the next target that 'The Notorious has narrowed down on. Following the Highlight's spectacular knockout victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291, McGregor put up his argument to battle Gaethje for the honorary belt.

3 things you need to know

• Conor McGregor hasn't entered the UFC's Octagon since 2021
• McGregor is set to face Michael Chandler next
• The two fighters have taken the coaching role in the 31st edition of UFC's The Ultimate Fighter 

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Dana White addresses speculations regarding Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler

Following UFC 291, Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor engaged in a social media brawl. Never the one to hold back, the Irishman even provided a graphic picture of their upcoming fight inside the octagon.During the post-fight interview at the Dana White Tuesday Night Contender Series. The UFC president spoke about the pressing issue, which is Conor McGregor's eagerly awaited return to the octagon, 

Dana White has dealt with the Irishman professionally since 2013, so he is familiar with his shenanigans. White made the following observation in response to the critical issue regarding a potential confrontation with Chandler.

"I talked to Conor yesterday or the day before and he's ready to fight. I said, 'Listen, get in shape, let's figure this out." White added. "Yeah yeah, he's fighting Chandler. Conor likes to (explicit) with everybody. Especially his opponents or possible opponents."

Also Read | Why UFC hasn't been able to build another Conor McGregor?

Conor McGregor yet to enter USADA pool

It should be noted that while Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler bout was targetted for the UFC 297 Pay-Per-View, scheduled to take place in December 2023, Mcgregor is yet to enter the USADA pool. To fight in the Octagon, a fighter needs to go through at least 6-months of continuous testing. So, with such stipulation at large, when the fight will take place is a query that needs to be answered.