Conor McGregor has received the green light to return to MMA.
The former dual-weight champion hasn’t fought since breaking his leg during a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
McGregor filmed a series of TUF alongside Chandler last yearCredit: @TheNotoriousMMA – Twitter
‘Notorious’ has been ready to return for some time and his comeback bout against Michael Chandler has been in the diary since February 2023.
Unfortunately, issues behind the scenes with UFC CEO Dana White have meant McGregor has not been given a date for his return fight, until now.
“We got confirmation a few days ago that it’s all systems go,” McGregor told ESPN. “And ‘The Mac’, ‘The Notorious’ will be returning to the UFC Octagon this summer.”
The Irishman went on to confirm Chandler as his comeback opponent before sending a message to the man who recently called him out on WWE’s Monday Night Raw.
He added: “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. I’m going to bust Mike up, yeah?
“If I say it, I do it. If I say it, it gets done. End of.
“I got great news. It’s all systems go. Thumbs up. Thumbs up.”
McGregor vented his frustration during a recent sitdown with broadcaster Adam CatterallCredit: @adamcatterall – instagram
A few days later, he is feeling much better about his relationship with the UFC brassCredit: Getty
McGregor’s happy update comes just days after he vented his frustration at the UFC during an exclusive interview on talkSPORT’s new MMA YouTube channel.
“I hope we’ll get some clarity with a date, and I can push towards it,” he said.
“I’m sure we will get something in before year-end. I would love that [International Fight Week]. If they give me that and then we can go ahead straight away.
“June 29th and then the Sphere. What happens then? I wonder if they know. There’s been no talk about anything.”
“Obviously, I’ve got the [Nate] Diaz trilogy, and that’s what I had said for the Sphere.
“You know, there was cold water put on that public off the bat and I wasn’t happy with that. I need discussion or conversation because If I’m not getting anything back, I’ll just drift off.
“So, I hope I can get something in and get dialled in.”