Michael Chandler has weighed in on Conor McGregor’s recent legal troubles and what they might mean for the Irishman’s future in the octagon. Last week, McGregor was found liable in a civil case in Dublin for a 2018 sexual assault allegation, with a court ordering him to pay €248,000 in damages to the plaintiff.

McGregor has strongly denied the accusations, asserting that the incident was consensual and vowing to appeal the ruling. While no criminal charges were filed, the verdict has reignited speculation about McGregor’s next steps in both his personal life and MMA career.

Appearing on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Chandler addressed the situation and reiterated his desire to fight McGregor, despite the ongoing controversy. While acknowledging that he doesn’t know the full legal implications, Chandler expressed optimism about McGregor’s eventual return to the sport:

“If I were in his shoes, I’d want to be back in training, focusing on a goal. I think he’ll get back to the gym soon, and I hope we meet in the octagon next year,” Chandler said. He added, “Why not fight me? International Fight Week, middle of next year—I’m ready whenever he is.”

Chandler’s enthusiasm underscores the lingering anticipation for a showdown between the two fighters, a matchup that fans have been clamoring for since their time as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter.The highly anticipated clash between McGregor and Chandler was initially planned for UFC 303 but fell apart when McGregor withdrew, citing a training injury. Meanwhile, Chandler returned to the octagon at UFC 309 for a rematch against Charles Oliveira, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss after a tough battle.

Despite setbacks for both fighters, Chandler remains steadfast in his belief that McGregor’s return could be one of the biggest events in MMA history. Fans now await updates on McGregor’s legal appeal and whether the dream fight with Chandler will finally materialize in 2024