Featured Image Credit: Getty/Sportsnet
Topics: Conor McGregor, UFC, Dana White
Nasir Jabbar
Dana White has confirmed Conor McGregor is coming back to the UFC "this year" in a blockbuster showdown.
McGregor is closing in on his Octagon return, having not fought since his crushing defeat against Dustin Poirier back in July 2021.
But he's set to return to action "this year", according to White, who did not reveal his opponent, date and weight class.
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However, McGregor has already announced his return, claiming he will fight at the promotion's annual International Fight Weekend card, which is slated for June 29.
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Per McGregor, he will be facing Michael Chandler and revealed the bout will take place at middleweight.
The 'Notorious' and 'Iron' Mike coached against each other in the latest series of The Ultimate Fighter, which aired last year.
Like McGregor, the veteran American is also coming off a defeat to Poirier, having lost their UFC 281 clash back in November 2022.
If McGregor vs. Chandler does take place at 185lbs, then UFC legend Michael Bisping believes the Irishman needs to take out his opponent in the first round.
"Does Conor McGregor versus Michael Chandler happen on June 29th 185 pounds? I don't know, you never know with McGregor," he told Betway.
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"The T-Mobile Arena website has International Fight Week pencilled in, but you never know with McGregor because he talks out of his arse. He lives in his own world and he has the power to do these things.
"Would it be a good move to 185? I don't think so. In the first round he'd be able to knockout Chandler but after that he'd be a sitting duck and far too tired.
"McGregor has had problems with stamina in the past. McGregor is a sprinter; he's explosive, he's fast, but after rounds two or three he's tired, he's blowing out of his arse. Against Nate Diaz he had to go for a run because he was tired."
Bisping added: "If he comes back at 185 pounds he's going to get tired and it will also allow him to slack off in training. These are all big ifs, maybe the fight’s actually at 170 or 155. 185 would allow him to be lazy and unmotivated and he'll probably be under prepared.
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"But I actually believe it does happen at 185. Chandler sounds up for it and for the big payday. If Conor wants it at 185 and they both want it, the UFC will probably go for it."