Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return could have looked very different.
While the former two-division champion is now set to face Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 on July 11, new details reveal that wasn’t the original plan from his side.
According to his longtime manager Audie Attar, McGregor had his sights set on settling unfinished business with Michael Chandler.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, Attar explained that McGregor pushed hard to make the Chandler fight happen, especially given their history as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31 and the previously canceled bout at UFC 303 in June 2024.
“Conor really wanted to give that to Michael Chandler,” Attar said. “He just felt Michael deserved it, having gone through the show and experienced that camp, the unfortunate injury, and the cancellation of the bout. Conor really, really wanted that to happen, and we did everything to try to push it.”
Despite those efforts, the matchup never materialized — not because of a lack of interest from McGregor’s team, but due to the promotion’s direction at the time.
“At the time, it just didn’t make sense for the UFC,” Attar added. “But it doesn’t mean that it might not happen in the future… It can become a reality.”
Instead, negotiations shifted toward a different high-profile option, ultimately leading to the Holloway rematch. The two first met back in 2013, with McGregor earning a decision win, and the sequel now offers both familiarity and intrigue.
“Like I said, we pushed for Chandler. That was our main focus initially,” Attar continued. “Different names surfaced in the conversations, and in the negotiations… from a Max Holloway perspective, we know we got one on Max, and he wants to get that back.”
The weight class also played a role in shaping the final decision.
“With the time Conor has been out, it just made sense to do it at 170,” Attar said. “Max was game right away and willing to step up and take the matchup.”
For Chandler, the wait for a showdown with “The Notorious” continues, though Attar made it clear the door isn’t closed. Meanwhile, both fighters move forward with separate fights scheduled this summer, leaving fans to wonder if the long-teased clash could still happen down the line.