Dana White has declared that Conor McGregor will return to the UFC “this year” in a highly anticipated matchup.
After going without a fight since his devastating loss to Dustin Poirier in July of 2021, McGregor is getting closer to making a comeback to the Octagon.
But according to White, who withheld the opponent, date, and weight class, he plans to make a comeback “this year”.
However, McGregor has already declared his return, stating he will fight at the promotion’s annual International Fight Weekend event on June 29.
McGregor has announced that he will face Michael Chandler at middleweight. The ‘Notorious’ and ‘Iron’ Mike coached against each other in the most recent season of The Ultimate Fighter, which aired last year.
Like McGregor, the veteran American is coming off a loss to Poirier at UFC 281, which occurred in November 2022.
The Irishman needs to stop Chandler in the first round, according to UFC legend Michael Bisping, if McGregor vs. Chandler happens at 185 pounds.
Also Read: The Untold Story Of Conor McGregor
“Does Conor McGregor versus Michael Chandler happen on June 29th 185 pounds? I don’t know, you never know with McGregor,” he told Betway.
“The T-Mobile Arena website has International Fight Week penciled in, but you never know with McGregor because he talks out of his arse. He lives in his own world and he has the power to do these things.
“Would it be a good move to 185? I don’t think so. In the first round he’d be able to knockout Chandler but after that he’d be a sitting duck and far too tired.
“McGregor has had problems with stamina in the past. McGregor is a sprinter; he’s explosive, he’s fast, but after rounds two or three he’s tired, he’s blowing out of his arse. Against Nate Diaz he had to go for a run because he was tired.”
Bisping added: “If he comes back at 185 pounds he’s going to get tired and it will also allow him to slack off in training. These are all big ifs, maybe the fight’s actually at 170 or 155. 185 would allow him to be lazy and unmotivated and he’ll probably be underprepared.
“But I actually believe it does happen at 185. Chandler sounds up for it and for the big payday. If Conor wants it at 185 and they both want it, the UFC will probably go for it.”
