Conor McGregor says he’s returning at International Fight Week to face Michael Chandler at middleweight
Conor McGregor says he’s returning to the UFC octagon in the summer.
After recently teasing an announcement of his next fight date, McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) posted a video on social media on New Year’s Eve, in which he claims his next fight will take place in June against Michael Chandler.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Happy New Year to you all,” McGregor started. “I’d like to announce the return date for myself, ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor. The greatest comeback of all time will take place in Las Vegas for International Fight Week on June 29, and the opponent, Michael Chandler.”
McGregor ended the video with a kicker. “And the weight Mr. Chandler, 185 pounds,” McGregor said followed by comical laughter.
MMA Junkie reached out to UFC officials for confirmation, but did not respond by the time of writing. Although it usually takes place in the summer, the UFC has not officially announced a date for International Fight Week in 2024.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 31, 2023
According to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC) laughed at McGregor’s video, while also stating, “Here we go. Any weight is good with me.”
I always said I wanted you at your biggest, your baddest and your best. 185 would look good on me.
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) December 31, 2023
Chandler has long been McGregor’s rumored return opponent after the two fighters coached opposing teams on “The Ultimate Fighter” earlier this year.
McGregor has not been in action since breaking his leg in July 2021 in a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. If the June 29 date is accurate, McGregor’s return would be just a few days shy of three years away from the octagon.
McGregor recently expressed frustration at the UFC about his return, stating his “patience is wearing thin.” He recently re-entered the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency drug testing pool, which is now replaced by Drug Free Sport International.
