While doing press for his feature-film debut in ‘Road House’, UFC superstar Conor McGregor said he has received ‘confirmation’ that he will be returning to the Octagon over the summer to face longtime rival Michael Chandler.
No details about a McGregor-Chandler matchup are publicly known and the Irishman has not fought in the UFC since back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021.
McGregor has previously stated a matchup against Chandler will take place at UFC 303 on June 29 with no confirmation from the promotion.
Chandler has been vocal about getting into the cage with McGregor, especially after the duo coached against each other during the 31st season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’.
McGregor has not won a UFC fight since January 2020 but remains one of mixed marital arts most prominent stars.
McGregor posed for photos in New York City on Tuesday to promote ‘Road House’
Jake Gyllenhaal and McGregor pose for photos after being co-stars in the remake film
McGregor made the comments about fighting Chandler on Tuesday in New York City while posing for photos with ‘Road House’ co-star Jake Gyllenhaal.
The film, which will stream on Amazon Prime is a remake of the 1989 Patrick Swayze-led project of the same name.
‘We got confirmation a few days ago that it’s all systems go,’ said McGregor to ESPN. ‘And “The Mac,” “The Notorious” will be returning to the UFC Octagon this summer.’
Chandler responded sarcastically on social media after McGregor’s comments became public.
McGregor is confident a fight against Chandler will happen over the summer
McGregor has said in the past the fight will take place at UFC 303 on June 29
‘I’m not sure I’ll be ready for a summer fight…this came out of the blue…I’ve been out of the loop,’ Chandler jokingly said. ‘Can y’all ask (UFC President) Dana (White) to confirm this?’
Chandler’s last UFC fight was in November 2022 and also a loss to Poirier. He has publicly expressed a desire to face McGregor for years.
Chandler even appeared on WWE show ‘Monday Night Raw’ to call out McGregor for a fight. WWE and UFC are now owned by the same management, TKO.
‘Shut up, Michael, you f***ing imbecile. The man doesn’t shut up. I seen him on “Raw.” I like Mike — I’m going to bust him up,’ McGregor said. ‘I’m going to bust Mike up, yeah? If I say it, I do it. … If I say it, it gets done. Put that on my stone.’
