Training is underway for Conor McGregor’s June 29 return to the UFC. “The Notorious” will debut in a new weight class two divisions above his last appearance against Dustin Poirier in 2021. McGregor, a former featherweight-turned-lightweight, will take on “Iron” Michael Chandler, who will also be debuting within the confines of middleweight (170-185 lbs).
In a post made to Facebook on January 3, fans gained some insight into the new look of McGregor at middleweight:
This bout will be the heaviest McGregor has fought in his professional career. The Irish MMA superstar made his name by claiming the featherweight and lightweight titles in Cage Warriors, before doing the same in the UFC to become the first-ever simultaneous double champion.
Conor McGregor Returns from Longest UFC Hiatus
McGregor’s unconfirmed June 29 return will mark the longest layoff in his career – just shy of three years. Chandler will also be returning from a long break, the American wrestler didn’t compete at all in 2023 in the hope of a McGregor return, instead coaching opposite “The Notorious” on Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter. The finale of the show was intended to be the showdown between McGregor and Chandler, but the Irish star failed to return to the USADA testing pool.
For now, fans will have to wait with bated breath as the biggest star in the sport gears for a return. McGregor’s December 31 announcement still hasn’t been confirmed by the UFC, so for any McGregor fans, it’s best to sit on the fence until something official comes out.
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