Conor McGregor has confirmed his return to the UFC after revealing that plans are in place for him to fight American rival Michael Chandler this summer.
McGregor, who has recently been promoting his movie ‘Road House’ alongside co-star Jake Gyllenhaal, has not stepped foot inside the octagon since July 2021.
The Irishman lost against American star Dustin Poirier, via doctor’s stoppage, after breaking his leg during the first round of the bout.
After recovering from that injury, he had been expected to make a return to the octagon in 2023 for a bout with Chandler – but that never materialised.
However, now, McGregor insists that the bout has been booked in and it’s ‘all systems go’ for a fight with his American rival in the summer.
Conor McGregor has confirmed that he will return to the UFC for a fight in the summer
The Irishman has claimed he will fight Michael Chandler (R) for his return bout
Speaking to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, McGregor said: ‘We got confirmation a few days ago that it’s all systems go.
‘The Notorious will be returning to the UFC octagon this summer. Yes, Michael Chandler. I like Michael but I’m going to bust him up.
‘So, Chandler in the summer. I got great news. It’s all systems go. Got the call, thumbs up. Everything’s sweet’.
Chandler and McGregor had been expected to face off inside the octagon after appearing as coaches for the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter show.
Typically, at the end of the season, the two coaches from either side will fight in the UFC however that failed to materialise, until recently.
McGregor has previously teased a potential bout with Chandler on social media but now it appears as though a potential fight is actually making progress.
On New Year’s Eve, McGregor shared a video with followers that claimed he was booked in to face Chandler during June’s International Fight Week.
McGregor also revealed that the bout will take place in the 185lbs weight class, a division that neither he nor Chandler has previously fought in.
‘Ladies and gentlemen, a happy New Year to you all.’ McGregor said in a video posted on X.
McGregor previously revealed details of his long-awaited UFC return in a post on social media
Chandler responded on social media, insisting that he welcomed the fight with McGregor
‘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.
‘And the weight, Mr Chandler, 185lbs.’
Chandler replied to the news via social media, insisting that he welcomed the fight taking place at middleweight.
Just last month, UFC chief Dana White claimed that money has ‘complicated’ McGregor’s long-awaited return to the organisation.
Speaking during Saturday’s UFC 298 post-fight press conference, White said: ‘First problem was that he broke that shin bone.
‘He was recovering from that. That was one of the reasons. The other problem is he’s f***ing rich.’
White then went on to hint that McGregor’s role in the upcoming film ‘Road House’ where he’ll have obligations to promote the film in the build-up to it’s release.
The two UFC stars had been tipped to face off after their appearances on The Ultimate Fighter
White previously insisted that ‘money’ complicated McGregor’s long-awaited return
He continued: ‘I don’t know. Conor McGregor‘s got a lot of money. Any time we get Conor, we’ll be happy. You know, we’ll be thrilled when he comes and fights.
‘Money complicates a lot of things. He just filmed a movie. He’s got to do the press for the movie, and he’s got obligations with that. He does want to fight this year, but we’ll see what happens’.
The UFC was also involved in the movie’s production as Gyllenhaal’s character appears to be an ex UFC fighter. The film shot fight and weigh-in scenes through UFC 285 in March with McGregor heavily involved in the marketing efforts.
The movie was shot in the middle of McGregor’s hiatus after breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. The former two-division champion is yet to see the Octagon since.
