The one UFC blockbuster clash Tom Aspinall and Paddy Pimblett both want to see in 2026

Pimblett and Aspinall were asked which fight the UFC needs to put together in 2026, even if it stirs up some controversy.

The question was posed by Aspinall’s videographer, who asked: “What is the one fight the UFC has to make in 2026, even if it’s controversial?”

‘The Baddy’ jumped in first with a quick jab, saying: “Arman [Tsarukyan] vs. back pain.”

Aspinall then mentioned a familiar name fans always want to see return. “I wouldn’t mind seeing Conor McGregor back,” he said.

“Yeah, but everyone wants to see McGregor back,” Pimblett replied before turning the conversation toward Michael Chandler.

“I’d like to see [Michael] Chandler get that fight because it was arl a— on him, the fact that he never got it and sat out for two years,” Pimblett said.

The heavyweight champion agreed with Pimblett’s suggestion. “I’d like to see that fight,” he said.

Michael Chandler’s update on Conor McGregor fight

A bout between McGregor and Chandler has been discussed ever since they coached against each other on The Ultimate Fighter in 2023.

The pair were meant to headline UFC 303 in June 2024, but the Irishman broke his toe during training and had to pull out of the bout.

Since then, the 39-year-old has fought and lost against Charles Oliveira and Pimblett.

During that time, McGregor was handed an 18-month ban from the sport after failing to provide anti-doping officials with accurate whereabouts information on three separate occasions.

The ban was backdated, allowing him to be eligible again from March 20.

This lines up with his expected return at the UFC White House card set for June 14.

Nothing has been finalised yet, but Chandler sounded more confident than ever about the match-up during a live New Year’s Eve broadcast on CBS, UFC’s new partner.

“I will say it’s gonna be a big year.

“There’s a rumor going around, we can’t confirm or deny it, but it does sound like I might be handing Conor McGregor a good old-fashioned, passionate red, white, and blue butt whooping on the south lawn of the White House sometime this summer.

“That’s the plan. Let’s go.”