The biggest comeback in combat sports history, as Conor McGregor called it, received its latest green light when McGregor had a face-off against Chandler on the latest episode of The Ultimate Fighter 31. The event will be the culmination of the rivalry between the two coaches. The Notorious will return to fighting for the first time since he fractured his tibia and fibula in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
It’s been a long time since the audience saw the Irishman in the cage, making it his longest absence in the sport with 23 months since his last bout. The year 2023 also marks McGregor’s 10th year in the sport and he would like to commemorate it with a big win against Chandler. The duo has been going back and forth on TUF 31, where Chandler’s team has dominated since the beginning.
“I wish it was right now!”
Coach @TheNotoriousMMA & @MikeChandlerMMA go face to face in the center of the Octagon #TUF31 pic.twitter.com/dMeEpO8RxW
— The Ultimate Fighter (@UltimateFighter) August 16, 2023
Consequently, all four fighters scheduled to compete in Saturday’s finals at UFC 292 are originally from Team Chandler. After the face-off, McGergor exclaimed, “I wish it was right now.” Displaying his avidity at the prospect of returning to the octagon. A triumphant return for McGregor would put him on his way to dethrone Leon Edwards in the hopes of becoming the first three weight division champion in the UFC.
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The fight, which is yet to be officially announced, will probably take place in December as hinted by McGregor in a now-deleted post. Therefore, it would have to be at UFC 296, which is scheduled for December 16. The location for the fight can be picked as Las Vegas, Nevada as most of McGregor’s fights have occurred at the T-Mobile Arena.
Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler?!@DanaWhite has the latest update…. pic.twitter.com/LXdQmQcD8d
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 9, 2023
Dana White also gave the latest update on McGregor’s return to the octagon as imminent in a recent press conference. The UFC boss had this to say regarding the matter, “I talked to Conor, it was either yesterday or the day before, and, yeah he’s ready to fight. You know, I said, get in shape and let’s figure this out.”
White also reiterated that ‘The Notorious’ will definitely take on Chandler, disregarding rumors instigated by McGregor of a potential fight with Justin Gaethje. Therefore, the fight is set for welterweight. If all goes according to plan, the fans are set to witness one of the biggest events in UFC history come December. Although McGregor has quite a few obstacles in the form of recent se*xual assault accusations and USADA guidelines, a return seems forthcoming.
So what are your thoughts on the matter? Let us know in the comments down below.