Conor McGregor recently took to social media to announce his intention to make a comeback in the UFC and face Michael Chandler on June 29, 2022, during UFC’s International Fight Week in Las Vegas. However, the UFC has not made any public comments regarding this proposal, leaving fans and the MMA community in suspense.
In a video posted on X, McGregor confidently declared that his return would be the “greatest comeback of all time.” He specified the venue, Las Vegas, and even stated the weight class, insisting that Chandler meet him at 185 pounds. This weight choice is intriguing, considering that both fighters typically compete at 155 pounds. McGregor has previously held titles at both 145 and 155 pounds, while Chandler has also been a champion at 155 pounds in another promotion.
Chandler’s Response
Michael Chandler, in an interview with ESPN, expressed his enthusiasm for the potential bout but claimed he was unaware of any official date being set. He appeared open to fighting at various weight classes, including McGregor’s requested 185 pounds. Chandler’s flexibility regarding weight shows his eagerness to face McGregor, regardless of the division.
The History Between McGregor and Chandler
Interestingly, McGregor and Chandler previously served as coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series. Despite this, an official fight date was never established. Both fighters have been focused on other endeavors, with McGregor expressing interest in alternative fights such as bare-knuckle boxing or a professional bout against retired boxer Manny Pacquiao.
In addition to his hiatus from the Octagon, McGregor has faced other challenges. A public dispute erupted between him and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), who previously partnered with the UFC for anti-doping protocols. The disagreement arose when USADA claimed that the UFC wanted to exempt McGregor from their mandatory six-month testing window, leading to a strained relationship. UFC’s chief business officer, Hunter Campbell, refuted these allegations and demanded a public apology. To resolve the issue, the UFC has recently formed a new partnership with Drug Free Sport International for anti-doping administration.
The Anxious Wait
Since his defeat to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, where he suffered a broken leg, McGregor has been recovering and eagerly anticipating his return to the octagon. With his announcement of a bout against Chandler, it seemed that his comeback was imminent. However, the UFC’s silence on the matter has left fans uncertain and eager for an official confirmation or statement regarding this highly anticipated fight.
Conor McGregor’s claim of the “greatest comeback of all time” and his proposed UFC return against Michael Chandler on June 29, 2022, in Las Vegas have generated significant excitement within the MMA community. However, the lack of public comments from the UFC has added an element of uncertainty to the situation. Fans eagerly await official confirmation and hope that McGregor’s anticipated return will indeed materialize for an unforgettable showdown against Chandler.
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