December 31, (THEWILL) – Conor McGregor announced on social media on Sunday, that he intends to make his long-awaited return to the UFC octagon against Michael Chandler at the promotion’s annual International Fight Week event on June 29, in Las Vegas. The 34-year-old McGregor has not fought since suffering a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
The Irish superstar stated that the potential bout against Chandler would take place at the 185-pound middleweight limit. Neither fighter has ever competed at middleweight before, with both men typically fighting at 155 or 170 pounds. However, Chandler quickly agreed to face McGregor at any weight class. “I always said I wanted you at your biggest, your baddest and your best,” Chandler posted on social media in response. “185 would look good on me.”
McGregor had previously been expected to take on Chandler after the two served as opposing coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter” reality show last year. The UFC has yet to officially announce the matchup, and McGregor has inaccurately announced fights in the past that never materialised. However, the promotion’s president Dana White has acknowledged interest in booking the McGregor-Chandler fight if both men are fit.
In addition to Chandler, McGregor continues to call for a boxing match with legend Manny Pacquiao, despite not having boxed since his 2017 megafight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Pacquiao has yet to respond to McGregor’s repeated challenges.
Chandler last fought in November 2022, losing via submission against Dustin Poirier. He also unsuccessfully challenged for the UFC lightweight title in 2021. McGregor is a former two-division UFC champion but has not won a fight since January 2020.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
