Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) star Conor McGregor announced his return to mixed martial arts (MMA) competition on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas. In a post on his official social media account, the former two-division UFC champion revealed he will face American fighter Michael Chandler in a 185-pound bout during International Fight Week.

McGregor stated, “Ladies and gentlemen, happy new year to everyone. I am pleased to announce my return date, as the notorious Conor McGregor, for the greatest comeback of all time which will take place in Las Vegas for International Fight Week on June 29th. My opponent will be Michael Chandler, and the weight will be 185 pounds, Mr. Chandler.

While McGregor made the announcement himself, the UFC has yet to officially confirm the planned bout. The last time McGregor competed was in July 2021 when he suffered a leg injury against Dustin Poirier. Prior to that, he had defeated Donald Cerrone in January 2020. Overall, McGregor has a professional record of 22 wins and six losses from 28 career bouts.
Chandler, 37, is a former Bellator MMA lightweight champion with 31 career MMA fights. In the UFC since 2021, he has competed five times with two wins and three losses. Chandler last fought in November 2022 when he was defeated by Dustin Poirier at UFC 281.

However, according to UFC President Dana White, McGregor will not be competing this June. When asked by a reporter at the UFC 297 post-fight press conference about the status of the Irishman and if he would return in June, White responded, “Uhh, no. If and when Conor is ready to fight, you know we’ll announce it.”

Adding to the uncertainty is White’s noncommittal stance on Michael Chandler actually serving as Conor McGregor’s return opponent. Prior to the UFC 297 event, the President shared with Sportsnet, “McGregor will be back this year, possibly against Chandler, we’ll see how it plays out.”

Do you think we will actually see Conor McGregor compete in 2024?

Dana White: When Conor is ready to fight you know we’ll announce it.#UFC pic.twitter.com/jSYbqy6fkc

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) January 21, 2024