Mixed martial arts (MMA) fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The long-awaited fight between Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler is official for UFC 303, which will take place June 29, 2024, inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, wrapping up the promotion’s 12th annual “International Fight Week,” which includes UFC Hall of Fame inductions (details here), infamous Fan Expo and much more.
UFC CEO, Dana White, made the long-awaited announcement this evening at UFC 300’s post-fight press conference (watch it here). It will be a five-round fight contested at Welterweight (170 pounds).
McGregor — who is still the biggest star in combat sports today — has been recovering from a gruesome leg break suffered against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 back in July 2021. That is the last time “Notorious” stepped foot inside of the Octagon. He’s been on the mend ever since, taking his time to heal and explore other ventures like his Hollywood debut atop the ultra-successful Road House reboot.
Chandler, who helped coach The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 31 opposite McGregor, has essentially put his budding UFC career on hold to wait for his own Red Panty Night. The former Bellator MMA Lightweight champion has been ridiculed by the combat community for waiting for so long, but his fiery efforts have finally paid off.
Many believed that UFC was going to bring McGregor back into the mix to help headline UFC 300 last night, but things never panned out. McGregor has grown impatient with his delayed return as he’s been ready and willing to come back. Even McGregor’s arch rival, Nate Diaz, called for UFC to stop playing around and “free” McGregor.
Now, McGregor has an official date for his return. He will make his first Octagon appearance in nearly three years when he takes on Chandler in “Sin City” this summer. If “Notorious” is able to win that fight and show a glimpse of his former self it could lead to great things at 155 pounds.
This includes a fourth fight with Poirier, a fan-friendly affair against Max Holloway, a long-awaited clash with Charles Oliveira, or even a potential title fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov’s protege, UFC Lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.
He’s got to make up for lost time.
For the latest TUF 31-related (and Conor McGregor) news and notes click here.