Former two-division champion Conor McGregor is set to make his 170-pound return to UFC in a five-round main event against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29, 2024, following a layoff due to a leg injury and a six-month anti-doping program.
Well, well, well. Look who’s back in the ring. Conor McGregor. And this time, it’s no bluff.
The Irish sensation, a former champ in two divisions, is all set for his 170-pound comeback. He’s squaring off against Michael Chandler. The showdown? It’s the five-round main event of UFC 303.
When’s it happening? June 29, marking the grand finale of International Fight Week 2024. Where’s the venue? The T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, baby!
The UFC spilled the beans about this matchup at the UFC 300 post-fight press conference. Happened last Saturday night.
McGregor’s return? It’s been a long time coming. His last outing was a UFC 264 fight with Dustin Poirier. Ended with a broken leg, poor guy. That injury benched him for a while. But he’s been planning his comeback, even signed up to coach The Ultimate Fighter 31 opposite Chandler.
He coached the reality show, but didn’t return to the ring. Why? He hadn’t re-enrolled in the UFC’s anti-doping program. But he finally got back on the horse last October. After six months of mandatory testing, he got the green light to fight in March.
There were whispers McGregor would face Chandler at UFC 300. But he was tied up promoting the new Road House remake on Amazon. His first leading role in a movie! That promo schedule made fighting at UFC 300 a no-go.
What about Chandler? The ex-Bellator lightweight champ has been cooling his heels for over a year, waiting for the McGregor fight. His last appearance? November 2022. He lost to Dustin Poirier, bringing his overall UFC record to 2-3.
Chandler’s hoping to bounce back and take out the biggest draw in UFC history. That’s McGregor, in case you’re wondering. More fights for the June pay-per-view are expected to be announced soon. So, stay tuned!