Posted in: MMA, Sports, TV | Tagged: conor mcgregor, michael chandler, mma, ufc

Conor McGregor Will Return to UFC This June to Finally Face Chandler

Conor McGregor followed through on his promise and announced that he would fight Michael Chandler in the UFC in June 2024.

Published Sun, 31 Dec 2023 18:38:09 -0600

by Jeremy Konrad

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Article Summary

Conor McGregor confirms June comeback vs Michael Chandler at 185 lbs.
Long-awaited McGregor-Chandler bout set for UFC International Fight Week.
McGregor's return follows a leg injury in his last fight in July 2021.
Dana White to announce UFC 300 fight card this coming week.

Conor McGregor followed through on his promise to MMA fans to announce his next fight on New Year's. In a video posted to all of his social channels, he confirmed that his next opponent will indeed be Michael Chandler, but instead of the long-rumored fight taking place at UFC 300 on April 13th, it will instead take place on June 29th during International Fight Week in Las Vegas. Also of note, he said the fight will be at 185 pounds. "I'd like to announce the return date for myself, 'Notorious' Conor McGregor. The greatest comeback of all time will take place in Las Vegas, International Fight Week of June 29. The opponent, Michael Chandler — and the weight, Mr. Chandler, 185 pounds.". None of this is confirmed by the UFC.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 2017: UFC and MMA fighter, Conor "The Notorious" McGregor at the Irish premiere of the documentary about his rise within the ranks of MMA fighting. (Image: G. Holland/Shutterstock.com) — DUBLIN, IRELAND – NOVEMBER 2017: UFC and MMA fighter, Conor "The Notorious" McGregor at the Irish premiere of the documentary about his rise within the ranks of MMA fighting. (Image: G. Holland/Shutterstock.com)

Will Conor McGregor Actually Make It Till June?

Conor McGregor has not fought since July 2021, when he took a loss in a third fight with Dustin Poirier. In that fight, he severely broke his leg and has not been seen inside the Octagon since. Chandler and McGregor coached the last season of The Ultimate Fighter, which traditionally means a fight would follow soon after. Chandler has sat out for months waiting for Conor, knowing that the payday that comes with fighting the most popular MMA athlete ever is worth sitting out for. Both men naturally compete at 155 pounds, though Conor has won titles at both 145 and 155 in the UFC. He has also fought at 170. Chandler was a champion in Bellator at 155 before coming over to the UFC. His five UFC appearances have come at that weight, his last being a submission loss to Poirier as well.

Dana White has said that we will know the full fight card for UFC 300 this coming week. Middleweight champ Leon Edwards commented over the weekend that he will be defending his title at that show, though nothing is confirmed.

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