Israel Adesanya reveals ideal opponent for Conor McGregor after serious injury at UFC 329.

Adesanya promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Even after the serious knee injury suffered at UFC 329 , held last Saturday (11), in Las Vegas (USA), Conor McGregor already has a possible path mapped out for an eventual return in the view of Israel Adesanya . For the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), there is only one fight that would make sense if the Irishman decides to compete again.

During an appearance on the Precision Podcast, co-hosted with Demetrious Johnson on YouTube, Adesanya revealed that his ideal opponent would be Michael Chandler . According to the Nigerian, McGregor owes the American a kind of sporting debt after years of frustrated expectations.

See too

Irony? Conor McGregor's knee had already been a victim of Max Holloway in the UFC; understand why.

How long will Conor McGregor be out of the UFC? Expert explains recovery.

Dustin Poirier challenges Conor McGregor and promises another 'beating' after injury at UFC 329.

“If he decides to come back later, Chandler would be the only fight that would make sense. He kind of owes that fight to Chandler. He strung him along for two or three years while Chandler waited for the fight that would make him a lot of money. So, after all this time, it would be good for them to finally settle the score,” said 'Izzy'.

The fight between McGregor and Chandler was officially scheduled for UFC 303 in June 2024, but was canceled after the Irishman suffered an injury during his preparation. Since then, the American has remained active in the organization, while the former champion remained sidelined until his return at last Saturday's event.

Upon returning to the octagon, however, 'Notorious' was defeated by Max Holloway and also suffered a serious knee injury that should keep him out of competition for a long time. Despite the unfavorable scenario, Adesanya believes that, should the organization's star recover and decide to compete again, facing Michael Chandler would be the fairest way to settle a score built up over years of anticipation.

Conor McGregor's recurring injuries

Bruce Buffer consoles McGregor after UFC defeat. Photo: Courtesy of X/UFCNews

The new injury adds to McGregor's string of physical problems since his return to the organization. In 2021, the Irishman suffered a serious leg fracture during his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 , keeping him out of competition for five years. Upon his return to the octagon at UFC 329 , he suffered another serious injury, this time to his knee, once again interrupting his career and postponing any plans for a follow-up fight.

See Conor McGregor's serious injury at UFC 329.

🚨 Conor McGregor Injury

🚑 The UFC guide was injured on the right wheel within 3” of starting the fight.

In the images we can see a clear torsion + dynamic roller valgus typical of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. pic.twitter.com/2AdKo5qQFZ

— Ángel Villanueva (@angelphysio) July 12, 2026

Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.