Conor McGregor’s Return Plans Pushed Back as Dana White Confirms Timeline for Irishman’s Fight Against Michael Chandler

As soon as the fans got the first glimpse of Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, they started to anticipate the potential clash between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. On the show, both had their back-and-forth verbal spats. McGregor even pushed Chandler one time on the show. This left fans envisioning their pre-fight drama if the fight gets scheduled.

But as time passed, words started buzzing over social media that the match won’t happen. Conor even claimed that the UFC is disinterested in this match. Clearing all the dust surrounding this fight, UFC President Dana White has given an update. Recently, in an interview, the UFC president discussed the potential schedule for the Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler bout.

Dana White gives an update on Conor’s return

Dana White recently appeared on the Crain & Company show and highlighted his hopes for a Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler in early 2024. The interviewer asked Dana whether the fans would get to witness the fight between McGregor and Chandler. Dana White candidly answered, “We’re working on him, yeah!” highlighting things are underway regarding the fight.

Dana White continued, “I mean, obviously, we’re running this whole season of The Ultimate Fighter. To not do that fight would be ridiculous, but, uh, we’re working on.” Both the fighters recently concluded the filming of TUF Season 31. And this year’s season finale aired last week.

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Giving fans clarity and clearing all the doubts surrounding the fight, Dana said, “I’m hoping we can do it early next year.”

Conor’s anticipated return to the octagon

Since sustaining a serious leg injury in his last bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, the Irishman has refrained from any competition. 

However, the fighter kept fans on their toes and teased them with some training videos throughout this time, leaving them anticipating his return to the octagon. And when TUF 31 aired, fans expected that he would square off against ‘Iron’ Chandler in his upcoming match.

In the recently concluded Anthony Joshua vs. Robert Helenius event, ‘The Notorious’ outlined his next three fights. He highlighted that he would make his octagon return in December 2023 against Chandler. Then, he will fight newly crowned BMF champion  Justin Gaethje and compete in the trilogy with Nate Diaz.

However, The Irishman’s intention to return to December captured significant fans’ attention. As for him to appear in the octagon, he has to follow stringent USADA regulations that mandate athletes to undergo testing for a minimum of six months before engaging in competition.

With that being said, Dana’s recent update has given hope to fans who are eagerly anticipating McGregor’s return. Do you think McGregor can beat Chandler on his return? Or will Chandler give fans another shocking moment, just like he did with the Tony Ferguson fight? Comment below.

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