30 September 2023 , 19:31
456
0
Conor McGregor is still pushing to make his UFC return this year, despite the pay-per-view card he was set to headline against Michael Chandler being filled with other fights.
After coaching against the American on this season of The Ultimate Fighter, it was expected that a date was set to be announced. The tentative plan was believed to be UFC 296 on December 16 at the T-Mobile Arena, but last week it was announced that the event will be headlined by Leon Edwards vs Colby Covington, although McGregor is still keen to get out within the year.
The Irishman has insisted that he will have to face Chandler next, but told the American that he must "sit down and shut his mouth" as the pair push towards a new date. McGregor was at Jack's Bar in London this week to launch his new Forged Irish Stout where he spoke with Mirror Fighting in an exclusive chat about his next moves.
Asked if he had any update on his comeback, he replied that it was "en route," before insisting that he was "still holding out for December. Nothing happened, steady on, it's imminent." And as for Chandler as the opponent, he added that "it has to be," before goading his opponent by telling him to "sit there and shut your mouth, the Mac will be in touch."
Chandler has since said that he's "got all the time in the world," with promotional boss Dana White saying that he currently "has nothing" in terms of an update for the media on either man's return. McGregor has been out since July of 2021, while Chandler's last fight was in November of last year against Dustin Poirier.
Logan Paul and KSI announce new partnership with UFC president Dana White
Do you think Conor McGregor will fight by the end of this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
“I got nothing on either one of those guys right now," White told reporters earlier this week. "I’ve been saying for awhile, next year is when Conor’s going to fight. And then obviously, if Chandler gets antsy, then we’ll figure something out.
"I think Chandler’s got a bunch of money, he’s hanging out with family, and when the time is right for the Conor fight, I’m sure that’s the fight he wants. I’m not speaking for him, I’m just saying, I’m assuming.”