Conor McGregor has been a big presence this year. Despite yet another year of being out of action, McGregor has been out and about nearly everywhere. Finally, it appears that his much-awaited fight announcement may soon be upon us.
For the most part, “The Notorious One” has been out of action since 2021. Following a devastating leg break during his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, Conor has been out of action. However, in the two years since, he has been active on social media, attending fights, and also coached on the TUF 31 season.
I will be announcing my fight date and opponent on New Years Day, 2024.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 30, 2023
The Greatest Comeback in Sports History.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 30, 2023
Notably, the Irishman began talking about his willingness to fight as the end of the year came about. Owing to complications regarding his alleged steroid usage and USADA, the fight was pushed to next year. As such, McGregor has been promising fans some fight news soon. Taking to Twitter (X), he wrote, “I will be announcing my fight date and opponent on New Years Day, 2024,” and followed it up with, “The Greatest Comeback in Sports History.”
Naturally, the announcement has been heavily anticipated by fans and experts alike. Owing to the buzz and mystery around his return, many are keen to finally see the end of the saga. Additionally, UFC President Dana White has also hinted at some more UFC 300 fights and other fight announcements soon as well.
Who will Conor McGregor be announcing as his next opponent?
For the most part, many are keen to see whether Conor will be a part of the all-important UFC 300 next year. Although he has thrown his name in the hat, some believe that McGregor would be wasted with UFC 300. According to Chael Sonnen and many others, McGregor has the star power to carry a card on his own and does not need an extremely stacked card like the one on April 13, 2024, to help him.
Thus, many have suggested that McGregor should fight in the main event of UFC 301. However, the former double-champ’s wish to be a part of the UFC’s third centennial event could still be a possibility. With that said, the big question now is: Who will Conor McGregor fight in his return? Whilst some may feel that the answer is Michael Chandler, it may not be that straightforward.
Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler trading shots on X đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/9cli4bPA4m
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) December 29, 2023
For the most part, it was understood that Chandler would be the one to welcome McGregor back to the sport. Despite it being all but confirmed, recent behavior from the 35-year-old has cast some doubt on the matter. In a now-deleted tweet, McGregor was seen suggesting a matchup between Renato Moicano and Chandler instead. Further, he followed it up with a “Who the f*** is this guy?” to Chandler’s response on it.
Thus, owing to his coy behavior, some have predicted a change of plans within the UFC matchmaking. Although there were rumblings of a potential Dustin Poirier vs Nate Diaz fight, it now seems that one of them could be thrown in with Conor instead. Having thrown in a red herring, McGregor may end up fighting Chandler after all. But will he? Only a short amount of time will tell.