December 31, (THEWILL) – Conor McGregor introduced on social media on Sunday, that he intends to make his long-awaited return to the UFC octagon towards Michael Chandler on the promotion’s annual Worldwide Battle Week occasion on June 29, in Las Vegas. The 34-year-old McGregor has not fought since struggling a damaged leg towards Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
The Irish famous person said that the potential bout towards Chandler would happen on the 185-pound middleweight restrict. Neither fighter has ever competed at middleweight earlier than, with each males sometimes combating at 155 or 170 kilos. Nevertheless, Chandler shortly agreed to face McGregor at any weight class. “I all the time stated I needed you at your greatest, your baddest and your finest,” Chandler posted on social media in response. “185 would look good on me.”
McGregor had beforehand been anticipated to tackle Chandler after the 2 served as opposing coaches on “The Final Fighter” actuality present final 12 months. The UFC has but to formally announce the matchup, and McGregor has inaccurately introduced fights up to now that by no means materialised. Nevertheless, the promotion’s president Dana White has acknowledged curiosity in reserving the McGregor-Chandler struggle if each males are match.
Along with Chandler, McGregor continues to name for a boxing match with legend Manny Pacquiao, regardless of not having boxed since his 2017 megafight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Pacquiao has but to reply to McGregor’s repeated challenges.
Chandler final fought in November 2022, dropping by way of submission towards Dustin Poirier. He additionally unsuccessfully challenged for the UFC light-weight title in 2021. McGregor is a former two-division UFC champion however has not gained a struggle since January 2020.