McGregor expects to fight twice, finish current UFC deal in 2025

With two fights left on his UFC contract, Conor McGregor is confident he'll compete in both next year.

"I must. I must," McGregor said Saturday on the Anthony Joshua-Daniel Dubois broadcast in London, eager to end the longest layoff of his career. "It's the promised lands."

McGregor hasn't stepped into the Octagon since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

The former two-division champion said he isn't sure what will happen with his career after those two fights. But he did hint that he intends to fight out his deal and test free agency.

"I don't even know," McGregor said. "I don't think no one in the space knows. I'm the highest-generating fighter in the space now. I'm the highest-generating fighter on planet Earth right now, in today's space. What happens afterward as I'm a free agent? I am not so sure."

McGregor said his comeback fight is now being targeted for 2025 after Michael Chandler agreed to a rematch with former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 on Nov. 16.

McGregor and Chandler had been in talks to square off for the last 19 months and were scheduled to headline UFC 303 in June, but the Irishman withdrew due to a broken toe.

McGregor said he still hopes to make his return against Chandler but will reevaluate after he sees how the former Bellator champion does against Oliveira.

"It does not matter," McGregor said of his next opponent. "As long as I can get back. Whoever. Whoever. That's it. I'd like it to be Chandler. I'd like to get that squared away. So I wish him well against Oliveira. But let's see how it goes."

McGregor said he wasn't bothered by Chandler pivoting away from their planned matchup.

"I just take it on board and rock on," McGregor said. "My job is just to go to the gym, be in the gym, be in shape. And one thing is for sure: Whenever it is, and wherever it is, I will be 100% ready. That's all I can focus on right now."