THE UFC are working on a “curveball” fight for Conor McGregor’s return, it’s been sensationally claimed.

McGregor, 35, was set to be welcomed back to the octagon by his rival Ultimate Fighter 31 coach Michael Chandler.

Conor McGregor was seemingly set to be welcomed back to the octagon by Michael ChandlerCredit: TWITTER@THENOTORIOUSMMA

UFC president Dana White recently opened the door to another fight for McGregor’s returnCredit: GETTY

Eddie Alvarez has claimed the UFC are working a third fight between McGregor and Nate DizzCredit: GETTY

UFC president and newly-minted CEO Dana White, however, recently suggested the former Bellator champion Chandler is by no means guaranteed to be the Irishman’s return assignment.

And both men’s former rival Eddie Alvarez believes the UFC brass are “secretly” trying to engineer a trilogy fight between The Notorious and Nate Diaz.

The former UFC lightweight champion told The Schmo: “I think the UFC, on the down low, may be trying to make the largest fight.

“They always want to make the largest fight possible. And I think waiting in the wings in Nate Diaz.

“Secretly, Nate Diaz on the side. Maybe [they’re] making those discussions with the UFC.”

McGregor and Diaz, 35 and 38, respectively took part in two of the biggest pay-per-views in UFC history in 2016.

Their series is level at one win apiece but an eagerly-anticipated trilogy fight was placed in jeopardy when Diaz left the promotion last November.

Alvarez, however, reckons the MMA leader will bring back the beloved Stockton slugger back for another historic pay-per-view.

He said: “Doing that Conor-Diaz 3, that’s one of the largest pay-per-views ever in UFC history.

” So it would kind of be stupid not to do.

“And I think that could be the curveball that we’re all waiting to hear.”

McGregor’s clash with Chandler – his first fight since breaking his leg two-and-a-half years ago – is seemingly still in contention to headline UFC 300.

But Alvarez doesn’t foresee the pair topping the bill of the historic April card.

When asked if he thinks they’ll headline the show, The Underground King said: “No, no.

“I see him [McGregor] training but I don’t see it happening [at UFC 300].

Eddie Alvarez reckons the UFC want the biggest fight possible for Conor McGregor’s returnCredit: GETTY

“There has got to something that happens where he doesn’t fight.”

Former two-division champion McGregor is champing at the bit to get back inside the octagon and recently pleaded with the UFC to give him a date for his return.

He said: “I’ve been kept from my living for almost three years now.

“Understand that. I came through what I came through.

“I’m sitting on an injury and a loss.

“You hear what Alexander Volkanovski said? I relate. I must return to my way of living.

“This is my job. It’s beyond frustrating. … I just want the date. Give me the date, please. That’s it.”

Conor McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his leg at UFC 264Credit: AP