Michael Chandler is optimistic that a fight with Conor McGregor can still be made before the end of the year.
The two UFC stars are currently competing as coaches on the latest series of The Ultimate Fighter ahead of going head-to-head inside the Octagon once the tournament has come to a close.
However, with McGregor still yet to re-enter the USADA testing pool, it's a race against time to ensure the fight happens in 2023 with competitors needing six months of clean drug tests before becoming eligible.
If there are any more immediate delays, McGregor's UFC comeback may not occur until 2024, but when speaking to Daniel Cormier on his YouTube channel, Chandler believes the fight will still happen this year and even went on to make a prediction for the contest.
“People are talking about exemptions, of course, that’s all on the table. All I know is I’m controlling the controllables," Chandler said.
"I also know either way I’m going keep on moving forward. I do believe I fight Conor within the next six months, and it’s gonna be one of the biggest pay-per-views we’ve ever seen, and I’m going go out there and knock him out within the first two rounds.”