2 Americans and a former UFC champion are positioning themselves as opponents for Conor McGregor's comeback

• Conor McGregor once again has options for a comeback opponent, as multiple fighters are raising their hands.
• It is a far cry from just a few months ago when it looked like suitable opponents were limited.

Two American fighters, and a former UFC champion, have been positioning themselves as opponents for Conor McGregor's long-awaited comeback bout.

The divisive Irish striker suffered a broken leg in his second successive loss to Dustin Poirier last year, and though he was rumored to return July 2 for International Fight Week, the UFC boss Dana White said in March that McGregor won't likely be fit to fight until fall.

At that time, it appeared as if the MMA icon's options for comeback options were limited because of a lack of interest among some fighters amid bout congestion in the UFC's studded lightweight division.

Recently, though, the situation has changed considerably.

When Michael Chandler knocked out Tony Ferguson with one of the most brutal front kicks to the face you'll see all year at Saturday's UFC 274 event, he cut a memorable promo to maximize his time in the spotlight.

"I got one dude on my mind … Conor McGregor, you got to come back and fight somebody," Chandler said, after advancing his pro MMA record to 23 wins (11 knockouts, seven submissions, and five decisions) against seven losses.

"I am the most entertaining lightweight on the planet, but I want to up the stakes, Conor. I want you at your best — you and me at 170 [pounds]. Holla at your boy."

Watch Chandler's challenge to McGregor right here:

Chandler's highlight-reel win was not the only notable victory at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Charles Oliveira — who had been stripped of the lightweight title for failing to make weight — submitted Justin Gaethje with a first-round rear-naked choke.

At a post-event press conference, Oliviera told reporters "it would be good" for his "legacy" to fight McGregor.

Speaking at the same event, Chandler had earlier said he'd welcome a rematch against Oliveira.

"I think we have unfinished business," Chandler said, recalling a second-round knockout loss to the Brazilian at UFC 262 in Houston, Texas.

"I got into this sport to become a champion. I got into this sport to wear 12 pounds of leather and gold around my waist, and I would love for it to say UFC on it."

Should Oliviera and Chandler fight, then McGregor could entertain a bout against Justin Gaethje, who lost to Oliveira in an entertaining scrap.

Last week, Gaethje stoked the flames of a personal rivalry with McGregor, saying he wants an "opportunity to take him away from this sport forever."