Israel Adesanya proposes Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler rematch

Israel Adesanya has stepped into the matchmaking role for Conor McGregor’s potential UFC return, proposing a rematch with Michael Chandler to settle their years-long rivalry.

What did Adesanya say?

Speaking to Demetrious Johnson on a recent podcast, Adesanya pitched a McGregor-Chandler rematch as the perfect fight for McGregor’s comeback. The two coached together on The Ultimate Fighter 31 in 2023 and were set to fight at UFC 303 in June 2024 before McGregor pulled out with a broken toe.

Adesanya framed the fight as unfinished business. “He kind of owes Chandler that fight,” Adesanya said. “He (expletive) him for two or three years while Chandler waited for the big-money fight. So now after all this time, it would be good for them to finally settle the score.”

Why does this matter for Israel Adesanya?

The proposal puts Adesanya at the center of UFC matchmaking chatter, even if he’s not fighting himself. His comments came after McGregor’s disastrous return at UFC 329 on 18 May 2025, where he lasted just 69 seconds before losing via injury TKO against Max Holloway.

Adesanya’s involvement signals he’s still plugged into the UFC’s inner circle. His endorsement of the Chandler fight suggests he’s thinking about matchups that could draw big money and keep stars like McGregor active.

What’s next for McGregor?

McGregor has vowed to fight again despite two straight injury-shortened losses. He still has one fight left on his UFC contract, and the promotion will decide who he faces next.

A Chandler rematch fits the narrative. Both men are aging and on losing streaks, but the UFC may hesitate to let McGregor land a highlight-reel win over a vulnerable Chandler and then hit free agency.

Could the UFC block this fight?

The promotion controls matchups, and a Chandler win could make McGregor more marketable as a free agent. That’s a risk the UFC may not want to take.

Still, Adesanya’s pitch gives fans a clear path forward. If McGregor fulfills his contract, Chandler is the fight the Irishman owes-and the one that could finally close this chapter.