Paddy Pimblett is hoping to face Conor McGregor in the near future and believes that a win over Michael Chandler will move him one step closer to securing the fight

McGregor's prolonged absence and the ambiguity surrounding his return have led to speculation about his future in mixed martial arts. Notably, UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently suggested that McGregor's fighting career might be over, citing his extended time away from the sport and a lifestyle that appears focused on ventures outside the octagon.

Paddy Pimblett loves the idea of beating Michael Chandler at UFC 314 and stealing his fight with Conor McGregor.

It remains to be seen if Conor McGregor will fight in the UFC again, with his last bout coming over three and a half years ago

UFC lightweight contender Michael Chandler is becoming less convinced that Conor McGregor will ever return to the Octagon.

Michael Chandler still would fight Conor McGregor in an instant but now isn’t so sure he’ll ever come back to the UFC.

Our world lives on hope and so does Michael Chandler! The lightweight contender portrayed extreme patience with the whole McGregor fight scenario, but for various reasons, fortune didn’t favor him at that particular time.

UFC lightweight Michael Chandler has had time to reflect upon his career over the past few years, a time in his life that was supposed to be about getting the most lucrative payday of his MMA career – a fight against ex-TUF 31 coach and former UFC two-division Champion Conor McGregor.