Michael Chandler is still confident he will fight Conor McGregor.
Chandler and McGregor were set to meet in a huge main event at UFC 303, but the Irishman was forced to withdraw after suffering a broken toe in training.
McGregor and Chandler have been forced to wait to settle their rivalryCredit: Getty
UFC president Dana White ruled out three-potential dates, as fans began to express fears that McGregor’s comeback will never happen.
But Chandler has moved to allay concerns, and insisted an alternative date is being prepared.
Chandler told John Morgan: “We should hopefully be off hiatus quicker than people think.
“I’ll tell you what, I do love to fight, but I am a very patient man.
“And luckily, my life is such that I have done so many things outside of just fighting that I’ve been able to sit out, be patient, still got work outside fighting.
🚨 Michael Chandler says that the Conor McGregor fight could happen “sooner than people think”
He also says talks are happening and he’s meeting with the UFC tonight 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 28, 2024
“We’re gonna stay patient – we’re not going to let him [Conor McGregor] off the hook.
“Talks are happening between me and the UFC, I’m meeting with them tonight actually.
“I know Conor is going to be ready to come back soon, ‘cause it’s just a pinky toe injury, so we’ll see.”
McGregor has been left frustrated by his latest setbackCredit: Getty
McGregor has always vowed to take the fight, and was signed and ready to become active again in the octagon.
It has been a frustrating period for the UFC superstar, who has been out of action since breaking his leg in defeat to Dustin Poirier in 2021.
He has won just one of his last four fights in the cage, which came back in 2020 against Donald Cerrone.
The 35-year-old has posted photos of his injury, but it has been reported it isn’t severe and will allow him to return before the end of 2024.
UFC 303 will now be headlined by Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka, with McGregor forced to watch on.
And he posted his current feelings on social media, writing:
He wrote: “I’d be lying if I told you I wasn’t in deep pain right now watching fight week take place. Deep mental pain.
“Thank you for the messages of support and encouragement, my peers and fans.”