In a social media bombshell on New Year’s Eve, UFC icon Conor McGregor dropped a video announcing his eagerly awaited return to the Octagon. The Irishman declared that he is set to face Michael Chandler in a middleweight bout scheduled for June 29 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas.
Initially slated for 2023, McGregor’s comeback fight against Chandler had faced delays, with the Irishman hinting at the possibility of a different opponent. However, in a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), McGregor confirmed the showdown with Chandler, surprising many by revealing the fight would take place at 185lbs, two weight classes above Chandler’s usual category.
“The greatest comeback of all time will take place in Las Vegas for International Fight Week, on 29 June. And the opponent: Michael Chandler. And the weight, Mr. Chandler: 185lbs,” McGregor proclaimed in the video.
Chandler and McGregor Excited About The Upcoming UFC Bout
While McGregor eyed a return at UFC 300 in April, negotiations with UFC officials settled on the June date, according to reports from Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour. This announcement has almost a bigger feel to it than the original plans.
Chandler, responding on X, expressed enthusiasm for the middleweight clash and seems content with being the B side of this particular fight. The former Bellator lightweight champion and UFC title contender is no stranger to tough competition, having faced the likes of Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and McGregor’s previous opponent, Dustin Poirier.
McGregor’s last bout was in July 2021 at UFC 264, where he suffered a broken leg against Poirier. Despite recent setbacks, McGregor, with a career record of 22-6, remains a formidable force in the Octagon. The clash with Chandler, also a seasoned fighter, promises to be a thrilling spectacle and could potentially pave the way for McGregor’s return to title contention.
As the anticipation builds for the International Fight Week clash, fight fans are already marking their calendars for what promises to be a pivotal moment in both McGregor and Chandler’s careers.
