Conor McGregor has once again reignited the fight world’s attention, declaring his condition for a long-awaited UFC comeback while taking direct aim at former opponent Michael Chandler.
The former two-division champion, absent from competition since 2021, says he’ll only step back into the Octagon if it’s inside a stadium.
Following WrestleMania 41’s commercial success in Las Vegas, McGregor took to social media on Monday to announce: “I’ll only come back to a stadium,” making it clear that his return hinges on a blockbuster venue.
McGregor, 36, was originally set to headline UFC 303 against Michael Chandler during International Fight Week in 2024. The bout was called off weeks before the event after McGregor sustained a toe injury.
But “The Notorious” hasn’t forgotten. In a follow-up post, McGregor wrote simply: “IRON MIKE CHANDLER. Unfinished business.”
IRON MIKE CHANDLER.
Unfinished business.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) April 22, 2025
Chandler quickly responded with enthusiasm, tweeting: “Unfinished Business Loading….” and adding on Threads, “Dust off the old contract and add some new ink… I’m ready tomorrow.”
Chandler also emphasised his seriousness, writing: “YOUR WORD IS YOUR BOND, IF YOUR WORD IS NO GOOD THEN EVENTUALLY YOU ARE NO GOOD.”
McGregor, who last fought in July 2021 at UFC 264 — where he suffered a leg break in a loss to Dustin Poirier — has since ventured into business, including a stake in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and hints at a political career in Ireland.
Chandler, meanwhile, is coming off a TKO defeat to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 earlier this month and remains eager for a marquee matchup.
Whether the UFC is ready to stage a stadium event to lure McGregor back remains to be seen, but the buzz around a potential showdown with Chandler is once again building.
