Former lightweight and featherweight champion McGregor has not fought in the UFC since his horrific leg break and loss to Dustin Poirier last year.

But the Irishman has been stepping up his recovery of late after sharing images of himself on social media looking in strong physical shape.

Rumours of McGregor returning to the cage have circulated continuously and White says he will make his comeback in 2023.

Speaking to ESPN, White said: "He (McGregor) is not retiring anytime soon but can see the light at the end of the tunnel."

He added that McGregor, 34, will be expected to come up against 36-year-old Chandler, who has been regarded as a top name in the lightweight division.

American Chandler has been on a cold streak, though, having lost three of his last four bouts with his most recent defeat coming at the hands of Poirier.

McGregor's form has also been patchy with just one win in his last four outings, which came as a first-round technical knockout against Donald Cerrone in 2020.