Conor McGregor's much-anticipated return to the UFC is now officially scheduled. The former lightweight and featherweight champion announced his comeback, confirming he will face Michael Chandler on June 29th during the UFC's International Fight Week pay-per-view in Las Vegas. This bout is set to take place in the middleweight category, at 185 pounds.
This announcement ends a period of speculation and uncertainty surrounding McGregor's return to the octagon. Originally, McGregor and Chandler were supposed to fight in 2023 after their coaching stints on "The Ultimate Fighter." However, the matchup was delayed due to various reasons, including McGregor's absence from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) drug-testing pool. Notably, the UFC's relationship with USADA recently ended following a public clash over McGregor's status, leading the promotion to partner with Drug Free Sport International.
The venue for this high-profile fight is the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, a fitting setting for what promises to be a blockbuster event. McGregor, known for his charismatic and dominant presence in the UFC, will be returning after a significant hiatus, making this fight a major draw for fans and followers of mixed martial arts.
This match not only marks McGregor's return but also signals a major event in the UFC calendar, being part of the International Fight Week. With McGregor's popularity and Chandler's standing in the sport, this fight is expected to be a highlight of the UFC season and a potentially pivotal moment in McGregor's career as he steps back into the limelight of competitive fighting.