Conor McGregor announces return date for ‘greatest comeback of all time’ vs Michael Chandler

Conor McGregor has announced a date for his eagerly anticipated UFC return.

The Notorious fighter has not been inside the Octagon since breaking his leg in the trilogy meeting with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

But on New Year's Eve, the two-weight world champion announced "the greatest comeback of all time".

McGregor took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share a video of him sipping red wine and informing fight fans that he will be facing Michael Chandler, who has lost three of his last four bouts.

He claims the tear-up is confirmed for June 29 in Las Vegas to mark 'International Fight Week'.

He said: "Ladies and gentleman, a Happy New Year to you all. I would like to announce the return date for myself," said McGregor.

"The Notorious Conor McGregor. For the greatest comeback of all time will take place in Las Vegas for International Fight Week on June 29th. The opponent, Michael Chandler. The weight, Mr Chandler. 185lb."

Chandler had been an expected opponent for a long time, with the two slated to fight in December after squaring off as coaches on the Ultimate Fighter reality TV show.

Image: Getty

McGregor's absence from the USADA testing pool caused a delay and though he returned in October, UFC are now ending the partnership and exploring an alternative anti-doping scheme.

The big surprise with McGregor's declaration, however, is the weight class he mentioned.

Image: Getty

According to the Irishman, the bout is taking place at middleweight - a weight that neither he or Chandler have fought out in their careers.

McGregor has been a champion at both featherweight and lightweight and also records a victory over Donald Cerrone at welterweight.

The first round knockout over 'Cowboy' is McGregor's last win in the UFC, having suffered back-to-back defeats against Poirier.