Ali Akbar Rosady
In the dynamic landscape of professional mixed martial arts, the highly anticipated return of Conor McGregor continues to be a subject of intense speculation and debate. Adding significant weight to the discussion, veteran UFC commentator and popular podcast host Joe Rogan recently voiced his strong opinion on "The Joe Rogan Experience," advocating for Michael Chandler as the optimal opponent for McGregor’s long-awaited comeback, rather than a proposed trilogy bout with Max Holloway. Rogan’s analysis delves into the strategic and stylistic implications for the former two-division champion, whose career has been punctuated by prolonged absences and significant injuries.
Conor McGregor’s last appearance in the Octagon dates back to July 2021 at UFC 264, where he suffered a severe tibial and fibular fracture in his lightweight trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. This devastating injury marked the beginning of an extended hiatus from active competition, placing a significant question mark over his fighting future. Following a lengthy rehabilitation and recovery process, McGregor embarked on a coaching stint opposite Michael Chandler during season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter. This highly publicized rivalry was widely expected to culminate in a clash between the two explosive fighters. Indeed, a lightweight bout was officially scheduled for UFC 303 in June 2024, but McGregor was forced to withdraw due to a reported broken toe, further delaying his return to competitive action. Despite the unresolved narrative with Chandler, McGregor has recently expressed a strong desire to face Max Holloway in a trilogy bout upon his eventual return, potentially in the summer of 2025, possibly aligning with International Fight Week.
Joe Rogan, a seasoned observer of the sport with decades of experience analyzing fighter performances, argues that the UFC should revert to its original plan of pitting McGregor against Chandler. Rogan highlighted the existing storyline and the natural build-up that materialized from their coaching rivalry. "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 stated on his podcast. He underscored the historical context: "Because they were supposed to fight, they did The Ultimate Fighter together, they were supposed to fight a long time ago, and then Conor breaks his [toe] and all that jazz. They were supposed to fight forever ago. That would have been a fun fight. A good fight for Conor because Chandler is, like, he’s very aggressive. He gets hit. But Chandler is tough as shit, man, and he’s a really good wrestler, whereas Conor, in his prime, was one of the best strikers ever. It would have been fun."
Michael "Iron" Chandler, a former Bellator Lightweight Champion, transitioned to the UFC in 2021 and immediately made an impact with his aggressive, high-octane fighting style. Known for his powerful striking, willingness to engage in thrilling exchanges, and formidable wrestling background, Chandler has compiled a UFC record that includes memorable bouts against top contenders such as Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Charles Oliveira. While Chandler has experienced a mixed record in the UFC, with losses in some of his most high-profile encounters, his fights are consistently electrifying. His ability to absorb punishment and relentlessly push the pace has made him a fan favorite. Rogan’s assessment of Chandler as an opponent for McGregor emphasizes these attributes, suggesting that Chandler’s aggressive, somewhat hittable style, combined with his wrestling threat, would provide a compelling and potentially advantageous strategic matchup for McGregor returning from a significant injury layoff. It would allow McGregor to showcase his striking prowess while facing an opponent who is durable but also provides openings.
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Conversely, Rogan expressed significant reservations about McGregor facing Max "Blessed" Holloway, especially as a comeback fight after such a lengthy and serious injury. Max Holloway, a former UFC Featherweight Champion, is widely regarded as one of the most prolific and durable strikers in mixed martial arts history. His fighting style is characterized by relentless volume, exceptional cardio, an iron chin, and an unwavering ability to maintain a high pace throughout five championship rounds. Holloway’s career boasts victories over numerous top-tier featherweights, and he remains a top contender in the division, consistently delivering standout performances.
The history between McGregor and Holloway dates back to August 2013 at UFC Fight Night 26, where McGregor secured a unanimous decision victory over a then-rising Holloway. Ironically, McGregor himself suffered an ACL injury during this very fight, foreshadowing his own future struggles with injuries. This sole encounter serves as the foundation for McGregor’s current discussions about a trilogy. However, Rogan views the current iteration of Holloway as an entirely different proposition. "Max Holloway is a different cat," Rogan asserted. "Max Holloway is a five-rounder. 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. Period. He’s there in that fifth round, throwing bombs at you."
Rogan’s primary concern revolves around McGregor’s historical tendency to fade in longer fights due to his explosive, energy-demanding fighting style. McGregor has often been lauded for his ability to finish opponents in the early rounds, but his gas tank has been a subject of scrutiny in fights that extend beyond the second round. Rogan specifically referenced McGregor’s two bouts against Nate Diaz, where "The Notorious" visibly slowed down as the fights progressed. "Conor’s been a guy who is real good in the first few rounds, but then his style is so explosive, it’s so energy-demanding that he fades. He faded in the Nate Diaz fight. He’s faded before. Because he tries to get you out of there. He tries to just explode on you, and if you’re still there and that gas tank gets emptied, it gets tough," Rogan explained. For a fighter returning from a severe leg injury and a prolonged period of inactivity, facing a relentless, five-round cardio machine like Holloway would present an extraordinarily tough task and a significant risk to McGregor’s performance and long-term career trajectory.
The UFC’s decision to pivot away from Chandler, as the original article suggested, might have been influenced by a combination of factors, including Chandler’s recent performances and the promotion’s continuous search for the most commercially viable and narratively compelling matchups. While Chandler’s aggression guarantees excitement, a trilogy with Holloway carries a unique historical weight and appeal, given their shared past and Holloway’s current standing as a high-level competitor.
Conor McGregor’s return is tentatively planned for next summer, potentially coinciding with International Fight Week. However, this timeline remains fluid and heavily dependent on the successful completion of his ACL surgery and the subsequent rehabilitation process. The choice of opponent for his comeback fight will be critical, not only for immediate commercial success but also for carefully managing McGregor’s re-entry into the elite levels of the sport. Rogan’s expert analysis underscores a fundamental dilemma for the UFC: balancing the immense public desire for a high-profile return with a strategically sound opponent selection that maximizes McGregor’s chances of success and minimizes the inherent risks after such a challenging period. The debate between Chandler and Holloway highlights the complex considerations involved in orchestrating the comeback of one of mixed martial arts’ biggest stars.
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