Conor McGregor intends to make his UFC return in opposition to Michael Chandler on June 29 in Las Vegas. Whether or not that really occurs nonetheless stays to be seen.
McGregor, 35, introduced through social media Sunday that the “best comeback of all time” will happen throughout UFC’s Worldwide Struggle Week in Las Vegas, however UFC has not publicly commented on that proposal.
“I would prefer to announce the return date for myself, ‘Infamous’ Conor McGregor,” McGregor stated in a video on X. “The best comeback of all time will happen in Las Vegas, Worldwide Struggle Week of June 29. The opponent, Michael Chandler — and the load, Mr. Chandler, 185 kilos.”
Chandler, 37, advised ESPN on Sunday he was unaware of any official date for the bout however stated, “Right here we go, that is the struggle I have been coaching for. Any weight — 155, 170, 185 kilos — is sweet with me.”
The proposal of 185 kilos by McGregor is an fascinating one, as each McGregor and Chandler’s “pure” struggle weight is taken into account 155 kilos. McGregor has gained titles at 145 and 155 kilos, and he has competed as excessive as 170 kilos. Chandler has additionally held a title at 155 kilos in one other promotion, and all 5 of his UFC appearances have come at 155 kilos.
McGregor (22-6) and Chandler (23-8) coached in opposition to one another on “The Final Fighter” actuality collection final 12 months, however no official struggle date has ever been set. Within the meantime, McGregor has expressed curiosity in a number of different fights, starting from a bare-knuckle boxing match to knowledgeable bout in opposition to retired fighter Manny Pacquiao.
McGregor was additionally concerned in a public spat with the USA Anti-Doping Company, which served as UFC’s anti-doping accomplice till the tip of this 12 months. USADA stated the partnership between itself and UFC deteriorated as a result of UFC needed to permit McGregor to struggle with out serving a compulsory six-month testing window after exiting its testing pool. UFC chief enterprise officer Hunter Campbell denied these accusations and demanded a public apology.
UFC has since introduced a brand new partnership with assortment company Drug Free Sport Worldwide shifting ahead.
McGregor, of Dublin, has not fought since he suffered a damaged leg throughout a loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.