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Published 18:16 IST, January 1st 2024

Conor McGregor announces UFC Comeback, reveals date and opponent of his next fight

Conor McGregor has announced the date of his UFC return. McGregor hasn't fought in the UFC since 2021 and the fans are eager to witness him fighting again.

Reported by: Prateek Arya
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Conor McGregor prepares to fight Dustin Poirier in a UFC 264 lightweight mixed martial arts bout
Conor McGregor | Image: AP

Conor McGregor has set a timetable for his return. "The Notorious" revealed on Sunday that he will face Michael Chandler in a UFC event in Las Vegas on June 29. The fight will take place at 185 pounds, according to McGregor.

3 things you need to know

  • Conor McGregor announces UFC return
  • McGregor hasn't set foot inside the Octagon since 2021
  • UFC's planned McGregor vs Chandler bout went haywire in 2023

Also Read | UFC 300: First three fights announced by Dana White, April PPV to feature Sterling, Jiri Prochazka

Conor McGregor announces UFC comeback

After giving a heads-up about New Year's Day, former UFC Champ-Champ Conor McGregor has kept his word and revealed the plans for a much-awaited UFC return. While UFC 300 was deemed as the ideal event to bring Mac back but turns out, McGregor is not on the same page and thereby announced June 29, 2024 as his return date. Michael Chandler was slated to fight him in 2023 and he has been kept intact in the scene. However, the most surprising aspect that comes out is the weight division, where McGregor plans to face Chandler. "185 pounds" is the stated weight, which means the fight will take place in the Middleweight division, which has been an unexplored territory for both these individuals, who have now spent a considerable time as Lightweights.

“Ladies and gentlemen, a Happy New Year to you all,” McGregor said. “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, June the 29th... and the opponent, Michael Chandler. And the weight, Mr. Chandler, 185 pounds.”

Also Read | 'By the end of 2025': Top UFC Lightweight prospect reveals when he will enter title race

Michael Chandler accepts the challenge of fighting McGregor at 185

Shortly afterwards, Chandler reportedly told ESPN, “Here we go. Any weight is good with me.” He has since addressed the announcement on social media.

"I always said I wanted you at your biggest, your baddest and your best. 185 would look good on me."

The UFC has yet to formally confirm a bout for McGregor or Chandler, nor has an event for June 29 been scheduled. McGregor's expected homecoming date, on the other hand, would fall inside the time frame when the UFC regularly conducts International Fight Week (the most recent edition of the event took place in early July).

Updated 23:00 IST, January 1st 2024