Michael Chandler has already found his next opponent, but there is still no sign of Conor McGregor’s return date. After their UFC 303 fight was called off, fans were hoping to see the battle get rescheduled pretty soon. But it seems the ship has sailed for both fighters now. UFC CEO Dana White, in a recent interview with the New York Post, made it clear that the former two-division champion will return in early 2025.

But the biggest question is who will the 36-year-old face next? McGregor has never been short of opponents, but his absence from the Octagon has now affected his reputation. However, the reveal from this long-time manager offers a unique suggestion that might surprise the fans.

Conor McGregor should face Justin Gaethje next feels Ali Abdelaziz

Conor McGregor has been facing one of the biggest lay-offs of his career and was last seen in action in 2021. He still remains a wild card in the plans of the UFC with no date of his return announced yet. However, he has kept the fans interested by posting training videos and also teasing possible opponents. But who can he face next? Michael Chandler has also made it clear that he still hopes to take on McGregor, but only if he returns to full fitness.

Amidst all the chaos, McGregor has found himself one more opponent in Justin Gaethje, as revealed by Ali Abdelaziz. He sat down for a chat with TMZ Sports, where he shared his opinion on the Dubliner’s next opponent. He personally feels that McGregor will not make a comeback again and is not at the same level as he previously was. However, he wants him to take on Justin Gathje if he comes back and says, “Listen I think this guy is. I personally don’t think he ever gonna fight again. But it’s a fight out there. He’s always been looming. If he decides to fight again, and I think he can fight Gaethje. Gaethje doesn’t have a fight. They don’t have a fight.” 

Justin Gaethje fought at the historic UFC 300 event and lost his fight BMF title to Max Holloway. Seeing the two fight will definitely be a treat for the fans out there. However, it all comes down to the UFC and whether they want to make the fight happen or not. Dana White was recently present in Dublin to witness the Callum Walsh boxing fight. The 55-year-old was bombarded with questions surrounding Conor McGregor’s return at the pre-fight media event. Just like his old self, White responded to the questions in his style.

Dana White clears the air surrounding Conor McGregor’s return

When Conor McGregor pulled out of his fight at UFC 303, Dana White was seemingly upset. He also refused to comment on any return date until he got an update about the Dubliner. But the 55-year-old is a master of keeping the fans guessing. During his recent visit to Dublin, Ireland, White handled the question surrounding McGregor’s return calmly. Referring to McGregor’s fight in 2014 against Diego Brandao from UFC Fight Night 46 in Dublin, legendary White said, “You know this arena right here, that fight was one of the greatest events I’ve ever been to. When he won, everybody threw their beer up in the air, they were going crazy, it was raining beer for like 3 minutes in the arena and uh, it was just so bada**.”

However, the media personnel were not quite satisfied with the answer. The biggest question was whether McGregor would return to fighting in 2025. UFC CEO Dana White, without much excitement, said, “Maybe, maybe, possibly.” ‘Mystic Mac’ has only two fights left in his UFC contract. However, his comeback has been delayed for quite some time now, and the fans are questioning his return. With the UFC CEO making it clear that he will return to action in 2025, it will be interesting to see who he fights next. Also, which weight class he will fight next is also a matter of concern.

What are some of your picks for Conor McGregor as the opponent? Let us know about your picks in the comments below.