Conor McGregor has been called up by Michael Chandler, who predicts the fight would yield “amazing numbers” for the UFC star’s return

CONOR MCGREGOR has been called out for a blockbuster showdown with Michael Chandler, who told the UFC figurehead: Get back to your first love.

McGregor is in the final stages of his recovery from the horrific broken leg he sustained in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier last July.

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The Irishman is aiming for a return to action early next year and fan favorite Chandler has thrown his name in the hat to welcome him back to the octagon.

After his UFC 281 loss, he told Poirier, “I think at that point he’s going to come back and look at the suitors.

“I don’t think I’m the easiest fight he can take, but I’m the biggest fight he can take.

“I think Conor McGregor retiring in the octagon is going to make big numbers no matter what.

“But Conor McGregor stepping into the octagon with me is doing amazing numbers.

“I respect him, I’d love to see him come back and maybe I’ll be the guy that he comes back and fights.”

McGregor, 34, must first re-enroll in the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency’s testing pool for at least six months, unless the UFC has granted him a waiver, before he can fight.

Chandler said, “Go ahead [the drug testing], Man. We all know that fighting is his first love.

“Exactly six years ago today, November 12, 2016, he became a double champion and he didn’t apologize to absolutely anyone and it was absolutely amazing.

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“He’s a legend in the sport, he’s the biggest name in the sport and it was bad enough that we had to compete with Bentleys, Bugattis, boats and $100 million whiskey companies.

“Now we have to go head-to-head with the big screens and the bright lights of Hollywood.

“Come back to your first love Conor, come back and fight me.”

McGregor has been working hard in the gym for the past 16 months and feels armored and ready to get back in the cage.

The former simultaneous two-division champion said last month: “Hopefully I’ll be back soon.

“I am aiming for early 2023. Sometime in this first quarter.

“That will give me a good couple of months [to prepare].

“As soon as I finish this [filming Road House] get the camp going in a few days [for] a good few months. And let’s go.”