Conor McGregor wants to move UP in weight for Michael Chandler fight and reveals rival he was MEANT to return against

CONOR McGREGOR wants to move up in weight for his UFC return and revealed what rival he was MEANT to fight.

McGregor is set to face Michael Chandler in his comeback bout after the pair coached against each other on reality show The Ultimate Fighter.

Conor McGregor wants to move up in weight for his UFC returnGetty

But the Irishman claimed it was actually Nate Diaz, 37, who he was meant to go up against in both the show and octagon.

McGregor, 34, said on The MMA Hour: “The Ultimate Fighter kind of presented itself, it was originally supposed to be against Nate.

“It was me versus Nate, I had agreed. I didn’t mind who it was against, nor do I mind who I compete against.

“That is widely known, I had agreed to it, it was Nate. It was like a day or two before and now it’s Chandler, so I’m not sure what went down on that end.

“But, it is me vs. Chandler and that’s it, I have no problem with it, I’m happy with it and it’s going to be a good bout for sure.”

Diaz beat McGregor in March 2016 only to lose the rematch five months later but a trilogy decider has failed to materialise.

The American has since walked out on the UFC after his contract expired amid a rumoured move to boxing.

But McGregor remains confident he will finally settle the series with his old rival.

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He said: “I’ll get that again. We will get that trilogy, that trilogy will happen at some stage for sure. We must fight.

“We are one apiece, it was a great rivalry and it was a great fight, so we have to square that away for sure.”

“Am I a person not to get the fights made and done and happen? Look at all the fight’s I’ve had, when I say it, it happens.

“I’ve a load of bouts left in me and a load of stories incomplete, so I’m excited to get started and get them done.”

McGregor is yet to return since breaking his leg in July 2021 against Dustin Poirier, 34.

And for his impending return against Chandler, he wants to move up from the 155lb division to welterweight.

A date, location and weight is yet to be confirmed but when asked what divison he wants it at, McGregor replied: “170 next, man. Leave it out.”

Michael Chandler has coached against Conor McGregorINSTAGRAM@UFC