Conor McGregor, the former two-division UFC champion, has stirred up excitement in the mixed martial arts world with his latest revelation about his next opponent. Despite multiple delays and uncertainties surrounding their matchup, McGregor has confirmed that his target remains none other than Michael Chandler.
In a recent interview with All Out Fighting, McGregor made his intentions clear, saying, “Yes, it has to be Chandler, sit down and wait and shut your mouth, yeah? The Mac will be here soon.” This bold statement comes after months of anticipation and speculation following their stint as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31.
The reality TV show witnessed Team Chandler’s Kurt Holobaugh and McGregor’s teammate Brad Katona emerge as winners in their respective weight classes. McGregor and Chandler were initially expected to step into the octagon together in late 2023, but fate seemed to have other plans.
Regarding the possibility of a 2023 bout, McGregor remains hopeful, stating, “En route, I’m still hoping for December.” However, with the UFC’s year-end schedule already featuring five championship bouts spread across the final three pay-per-views of 2023, the chances of McGregor’s return in December appear slim.
Conor McGregor Unveils Significant Development Regarding His Upcoming UFC Foe, Strategically Avoiding Michael Chandler
UFC CEO Dana White weighed in on the situation, indicating that McGregor’s return might not happen until next year. “I’ve been saying for a while, next year is when Conor’s going to fight,” White told reporters. He also hinted at Chandler’s contentment with his current circumstances, with family and finances on his side, while waiting for the opportune moment to face McGregor.
McGregor’s journey back to the octagon has been riddled with setbacks, with his last fight resulting in a leg injury in July 2021 against Dustin Poirier. Despite a string of recent losses, McGregor remains the biggest star in MMA, and his impending return is eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide.
In the same interview, McGregor expressed his thoughts on his longtime rival Nate Diaz’s recent venture into professional boxing, where Diaz suffered a decision loss to Jake Paul. McGregor commented, “It was not great. I’d like to see him back in MMA. I owe him a fight. He gave me my rematch, and I got the better of him. I owe him the trilogy for sure.”
The cryptic anticipation surrounding Conor McGregor’s return and his ongoing rivalry with Michael Chandler continue to captivate the MMA community. As fans eagerly await further developments, one thing remains certain: when “The Notorious” returns to the octagon, it will be an event to remember.
