Former UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor, perhaps the biggest name in the history of MMA, has officially announced his return fight to the UFC.
MMA fans haven’t seen McGregor in the UFC octagon since July of 2021, a TKO loss to bitter rival Dustin Poirier. He notably suffered a horrific leg injury in the fight which led to the loss, and also caused the lengthy time away from the sport.
It seems like he is fully healthy and eager to return to the sport, as he took to social media on Sunday to announce his next fight against UFC lightweight Michael Chandler.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Happy New Year’s to you all,” said 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 Vagas for International Fight Week on June the 29th. And the opponent, Michael Chandler at 185 pounds.”
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 31, 2023
Fans had plenty to say about this announcement, with many eager to see his return to the six-sided cage.
Can not wait for this fight.
Gonna be a BLOOD BATH! https://t.co/BilJG2XIun
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) December 31, 2023
Odds this fight actually happens AND 185lbs….? 🤔 https://t.co/VgHve6LW66
— Brendan Schaub (@BrendanSchaub) December 31, 2023
Conor McGregor announces he’s returning on June 29 – international fight week – versus Michael Chandler. https://t.co/fy4zcH09Ip
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 31, 2023
He’s BACKKK https://t.co/JnFlR6vTJf pic.twitter.com/T4C5HFveNB
— DexXjunior🇸🇳 (@dexxjunior03) December 31, 2023
We’re so back 🔥 https://t.co/1iu1EjcmHu pic.twitter.com/MYisQbgUDG
— The SZN (@_TheSZN) December 31, 2023
This announcement from McGregor is particularly interesting for a number of reasons. Firstly, it means that the UFC is committed to having him fight Michael Chandler, who he was supposed to fight months ago after the completion of the recent Ultimate Fighter season where the two coached against each other.
It is also interesting because it is an entirely new weight class for both men, as neither has ever fought at middleweight (185 LBS) in the UFC before.
Regardless, it should be a spectacle as always when McGregor does indeed step back into the octagon against Chandler in June.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.