Rogan Says UFC Should Return To Chandler For McGregor

Joe Rogan thinks the UFC should abandon plans for a Max Holloway trilogy and return to the original opponent for Conor McGregor's comeback fight: Michael Chandler.

McGregor blew out his knee just over a minute into his return bout against Holloway at UFC 329 in July, throwing a jumping switch kick that ended with a torn ACL. The former two-division champion has since called for a trilogy fight with Holloway next summer, but Rogan believes the promotion should revert to the Chandler matchup that fell apart two years ago, as MMA Fighting reports.

Why Rogan Prefers Chandler Matchup For McGregor Return

"Look, if Conor McGregor really does come back a year from now, I think he wants to fight Max Holloway. 'I've got to finish what I've started!' But really, Chandler was the right fight for him anyway," Rogan said on his podcast. McGregor and Chandler were scheduled to meet at UFC 303 in 2024 after coaching opposite each other on The Ultimate Fighter, but McGregor withdrew with a broken toe. By the time the Irishman was cleared to return, Chandler had dropped two more bouts and the UFC pivoted to Holloway instead.

Rogan sees the stylistic matchup favouring McGregor more against Chandler's aggressive wrestling-heavy approach than Holloway's relentless five-round pace. "Max Holloway is a different cat," Rogan said. "You'd better have all of your Ts crossed, and your Is dotted if you want to go five rounds with Max motherf*cking Holloway, because that dude doesn't fade." He pointed to McGregor's history of gassing in fights that extend beyond the early rounds, contrasting that with Chandler's willingness to engage in striking exchanges despite taking damage.

McGregor is targeting a return at International Fight Week next summer, though the timeline depends on his ACL recovery.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Morning Report | Joe Rogan says UFC should have stuck with Michael Chandler for Conor McGregor comeback fight