Morning Report | Joe Rogan says UFC should have stuck with Michael Chandler for Conor McGregor comeback fight

Joe Rogan believes the UFC made a mistake in choosing Max Holloway as Conor McGregor's comeback opponent instead of pursuing the long-discussed fight with Michael Chandler.

McGregor returned to competition in July at UFC 329 after a five-year hiatus, facing Holloway in the main event. The bout ended in disaster just over a minute in when McGregor suffered a severe knee injury while attempting a jumping switch kick. The former two-division champion now faces roughly a year of recovery from ACL surgery, but has already expressed interest in a trilogy fight with Holloway once healthy.

Rogan argued on his podcast that Chandler represented the better matchup for McGregor's return. The two fighters were originally scheduled to meet at UFC 303 in 2024 as part of their long-standing history together, including previous work on The Ultimate Fighter. McGregor withdrew from that bout after breaking his toe, and by the time he recovered, Chandler had suffered additional losses. The UFC subsequently pivoted to Holloway instead.

According to Rogan, Chandler—despite his aggressive style and willingness to engage—would have provided a more suitable test for McGregor. He praised Chandler's wrestling and toughness while noting McGregor's exceptional striking ability in his prime, suggesting a compelling stylistic matchup.

Rogan's core criticism centered on Holloway's championship pedigree. He emphasized that Holloway operates at an elite level across full five-round distances, maintaining intensity and output throughout, whereas McGregor has historically relied on explosive, high-energy combinations early. Rogan referenced McGregor's past struggles with cardio—citing his Nate Diaz fights as examples—when opponents weathered his initial assault.

McGregor aims to return next summer, potentially during International Fight Week, pending successful rehabilitation from his knee injury.