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Video – Dana White teases impending return of UFC star Conor McGregor in cryptic post: ‘Coming soon’

Dana White teases return for UFC star Conor McGregor in cryptic social media post coming soon Amid continued links to a massive June return to the Octagon later this summer, former undisputed lightweight and featherweight…

Amid continued links to a massive June return to the Octagon later this summer, former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion, Conor McGregor may be line for just that – with UFC CEO, Dana White teasing a return for the Dubliner, with a cryptic post on his social media.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight titleholder under the banner of the promotion, has been continually linked with a spectacular return to fighting this summer in a grudge match against Michael Chandler, having served alongside the veteran as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31 last year.

connor mcgregor road house 65f9aff14b6b3

And calling his shot for a feature on UFC 302 at the end of June during International Fight Week, McGregor offered to fight Chandler over the course of just three rounds rather than five – as he prepares for his first outing in three years.

Dana White teases Conor McGregor

Sidelined since 2021, Conor McGregor has yet to fight since he fractured his left tibia and fibula in a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to common-foe, Dustin Poirier in the pair’s trilogy rubber match at UFC 264.

Conor McGregor warned leg injury will haunt him psychologically in UFC return this summer

And on social media this Friday morning, UFC boss, White appeared to hint at an imminent announcement of a return to the Octagon for ex-champion, Conor McGregor – posting footage of him walking backstage ahead of his 2018 fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov, paired with the caption, ‘Coming Soon’.

Earlier this week to boot, ahead of his own return at UFC 300 next weekend, former lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira and his team noted their collective interest in fighting the above-mentioned, McGregor in the immediate future – should they beat Arman Tsarukyan, and even before a rematch with champion, Islam Makhachev.

Conor McGregor confirms summer UFC fight against Michael Chandler is set we got confirmation — Mandatory Credit: Dia Dipasupil

“It would be great to fight (Conor) McGregor,” Charles Oliveira’s head coach, Diego Lima said. “Professionally speaking, [fighting McGregor[ would be incredible. If we had the opportunity to fight McGregor at welterweight after this fight [with Arman Tsarukyan], we would fight McGregor. But how abou the belt. OK, we’ll fight the belt after that, God willing. But we know that with McGregor, the creature has become bigger than the creator.”

Video – Islam Makhachev shows off new shaved head amid links to June return fight with Dustin Poirier

Undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has donned a new look ahead of his expected return to the Octagon in…

Undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev has donned a new look ahead of his expected return to the Octagon in June – shaving his head bald ahead of a potential fight with former interim champion, Dustin Poirier in his UFC comeback.

Makhachev, the current undisputed lightweight titleholder and current pound-for-pound number one ranked fighter, most recently headlined UFC 294 back in October, racking up his second successful defense of his crown in a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski.

Islam Makhachev set to fight twice this year ahead of expected UFC return — Mandatory Credit: Giuseppe Cacece

Landing a first round high-kick and strikes knockout win over the Australian, Makahchev had been linked with a spectacular return atop UFC 300 in a welterweight division clash against incumbent gold holder, Leon Edwards.

However, confirming his decision to reject the pairing, Russian ace, Islam Makhachev cited his participation in the religious period, Ramadan as the reason for him turning down the chance to become a duel-weight champion.

UFC Saudi Arabia postponed until June amid links to Islam Makhachev comeback fight — Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Targeting a June return to the Octagon with the promotion recently confirming a UFC 302 card in Newark, New Jersey – lightweight kingpin, Makhachev has been linked with a title defense against the above-mentioned, Poirier, who turned in a second round KO win over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 298 back in February.

Islam Makhachev shaves his head bald

And sporting a new look ahead of his expected return against Lafayette striker, Poirier this summer, American Kickboxing Academy staple, Makhachev has shaved his head bald – getting rid of his classic buzz cut as a result.

Prior to his victory against Volkanovski – whom he claimed returned too soon in his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria back in February, Makhachev had halted the run of Brazilian ace, Charles Oliveira to successfully clinch the vacant 155lbs crown.

Noting his interest in fighting Louisianan veteran, Poirier in a summer comeback – after his manager, Ali Abdelaziz offered the former a shot a gold, rather tongue-in-cheek, Makhachev praised the guillotine choke ability of the former interim champion.

Who wins in a clash this summer: Islam Makhachev or Dustin Poirier?

Dustin Poirier reacts to Islam Makhachev’s jibe at title fight call: ‘I’ve done more in the sport than he has’

Former interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has hit out at undisputed gold holder, Islam Makhachev – after the Russian…

Former interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier has hit out at undisputed gold holder, Islam Makhachev – after the Russian questioned if the the recent big-winner had earned a shot at his title, despite offering him a go.

Poirier, the current number three ranked lightweight contender, returned to the winner’s enclosure at UFC 299 earlier this month, rallying to take home a stunning second round KO win over French contender, Benoit Saint Denis.

As for Makhachev, the American Kickboxing Academy staple has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 294 back in October, successfully defending his lightweight crown in a rematch win over former featherweight kingpin, Alexander Volkanovski – with a hellacious first round high-kick and strikes knockout win.

Sidelined through the period of Ramadan, Makhachev expressed an interest in a return to active competition as soon as June, and sounded out the idea of a title defense against Poirier – noting his win over Saint Denis in Miami this month, despite questioning if it was even earned on merit.

Dustin Poirier chases June fight with Islam Makhachev

And responding to Makhachev’s claims, Poirier himself stated that when it comes to the sport of mixed martial arts as a whole, he has achieved more than the current pound-for-pound pacesetter.

Dustin Poirier takes issue with Joe Rogan's commentary after UFC 299 win I can't believe he said that — Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“If I could pick a fight, the title fight is my choice, that’s what I want,” Dustin Poirier told MMA Junkie. “I mean, that’s on him (Islam Makhachev) – I’ve done more in the sport of mixed martial arts than he has. I’ve been around a long time, I’ve been doing this before it was cool. And, you know, I’m still here – I’m still here doing it at the highest level. I can beat anybody in the world, and I hope he’s next.”

Who wins in a future title clash: Islam Makhachev or Dustin Poirier?

Dustin Poirier previews title fight with Islam Makhachev maybe I'll submit him with a guillotine — Mandatory Credit: Megan Briggs & Zuffa LLC

Cory Sandhagen eyes title eliminator fight with UFC foe Umar Nurmagomedov next: ‘Let’s go at it’

UFC bantamweight Cory Sandhagen welcomes a number one contender fight with rising contender Umar Nurmagomedov. Now 5-0 inside the…

UFC bantamweight Cory Sandhagen welcomes a number one contender fight with rising contender Umar Nurmagomedov.

Now 5-0 inside the UFC, Nurmagomedov has yet to face a top-level bantamweight during his run with the promotion despite now being ranked in the top 10. There have been rumours that Nurmagomedov continues to be turned down by ranked fighters, but there has been one to accept the challenge.

Cory Sandhagen welcomes Umar Nurmagomedov fight

Sandhagen and Nurmagomedov were booked to face each other last August, but an injury forced Nurmagomedov out with Cory Sandhagen instead facing, and beating, Rob Font. Following his win this past weekend, Nurmagomedov called for a rebooking of the bout to take place on International Fight Week later this year. Now ranked No.3, Sandhagen is still open to the fight even if it meant fighting someone placed seven spots below him.

“I have no problem fighting Umar, especially if they’re telling me it’s for a #1 contender spot,” Sandhagen said during an interview with CBS Sports reporter, Shakiel Mahjouri.

“If they’re that high on him, let’s go at it and decide who should be fighting for the belt next and then let’s solidify this thing so that there’s no more question on whether it should be me or someone else. If I win the next one against Umar there’s no argument that I shouldn’t be fighting for the belt next.”

Since his loss to Petr Yan at UFC 267, Sandhagen has embarked on an impressive three-fight run, which includes a win over this week’s bantamweight title challenger, Marlon Vera. While Nurmagomedov may not be a notable name on his record, his talent and name vale in undeniable – following his win this past weekend the booking does make sense.

The bout will expose exactly what level Nurmagomedov is, Sandhagen’s striking ability has always been obvious but over the past couple of years, he has showed a real maturity and development in his overall game.

Who wins, Cory Sandhagen or Umar Nurmagomedov?

Dana White addresses issues booking return fight for UFC star Conor McGregor: ‘He doesn’t need the money’

Despite claims he will make his long-anticipated return to the Octagon at an event this summer, former two-weight champion,…

Despite claims he will make his long-anticipated return to the Octagon at an event this summer, former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor “doesn’t need the money” a return to fighting would bring to him, according to UFC CEO, Dana White – who claimed it proved a roadblock to booking the Dubliner’s comeback.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight champion and featherweight titleholder under the banner of the promotion, has been sidelined from active competition since he fractured his left tibia and fibula in a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to Dustin Poirier back in 2021.

And remaining steadfast in his claim that he will be fighting this summer, McGregor, 35, claims he will fight at UFC 302 on June 29. during International Fight Week – in the form of a middleweight fight with his Ultimate Fighter 31 foe, Michael Chandler.

However, recently, promotional boss, White claimed it would be the Fall before fight fans would see McGregor fight inside the Octagon once again, much to the dismay of the ex-champion, who himself urged the CEO to ink a date for his comeback to the UFC.

Dana White addresses future of UFC star Conor McGregor

And discussing the fighting future of McGregor, promotional boss, White claimed that the Dubliner’s accumulation of finances has limited his chances of booking a return to the UFC.

“Well, first of all, he (Conor McGregor) is coming back from one of the nastiest injuries youcan come back from,” Dana White told Kevin Iole during a recent interview. “How long was Anderson Silva out when he did it? How long was Chris Weidman out when he did it? You know, the guys who break that bone – so that’s an issue right there, number one.”

“Number two: Conor McGregor doesn’t need the f*cking money,” White explained. “So, when you don’t need the money, it’s not as easy – I mean, Khabib (Nurmagomedov). Khabib doesn’t need the money. Khabib retired.”

Do you think Conor McGregor will make his UFC return later this year?

Dana White provides bleak update on Conor McGregor – Michael Chandler fight: ‘Hopefully it happens in the Fall’

UFC CEO, Dana White has provided another bleak update on the fighting future of former duel-weight champion, Conor McGregor…

UFC CEO, Dana White has provided another bleak update on the fighting future of former duel-weight champion, Conor McGregor and his expected opponent, Michael Chandler, claiming the long-anticipated bout between the duo could be reserved until the Fall of this year at the very earliest.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined since he featured in a trilogy rubber match against common-foe, Dustin Poirier back in July 2021, fracturing his left tibia and fibula in a doctor’s stoppage TKO loss.

As for Chandler, the Kill Cliff FC staple has been sidelined since 2022, suffering a third round rear-naked choke loss to former interim gold holder, Poirier – and has remained out of action in the since, in the hope of landing a bout against McGregor.

And growing increasingly impatient with his sidelining, earlier this week, McGregor urged White to get a date “set” for his comeback – having initially claimed he would be fighting at UFC 302 on June 29. during International Fight Week later this summer.

Dana White gives update on Conor McGregor’s return to UFC

Tonight, however, White has provided a rather disappointing update for fans hopeful of seeing the Dubliner in the summer, claiming McGregor’s long-awaited comeback in a fight against Chandler is likely not going to take place until the Fall of this year – “hopefully”.

“Eventually,” Dana White said of a fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “Hopefully this year. There is no date. I’m hoping for the fall. [Hopefully] we get it done in the fall.”

Without a victory since 2020, McGregor’s most recent win came in the form of a first round high-kick and strikes knockout win over Hall of Fame inductee, Donald Cerrone in a welterweight main event fight.

When do you think Conor McGregor make’s his long-rumored UFC comeback?