06 March 2024 , 19:53
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UFC legend Conor McGregor wants to fight three times this year, one of which includes a boxing return against Manny Pacquiao.
McGregor hasn't fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier almost three years ago but is hoping to make his UFC return in the summer against Michael Chandler. No event or date has yet been announced for the mega-fight but McGregor wants it to take place at the end of June after missing out on UFC 300 next month.
The former two-weight world champion mapped out his 2024 plan that started with a fight against Chandler, trilogy clash with Nate Diaz in September and boxing match against Pacuqiao to see out the year. "I wish for this on Mexican Independence Day in the sphere," McGregor wrote of fighting Diaz for the third time on Instagram.
"Chandler June. Diaz September. I have let this be known." UFC 303 is the targeted pay-per-view event for McGregor's planned fight date with Chandler and the Irishman added: "Still holding hope for June 29. Lack of action on it, however, is now causing lack of enthusiasm. I need a decision soon. I am the most tested athlete under this new regime. Yet no date to fight."
McGregor's only professional boxing fight was a stoppage loss to ring legend Floyd Mayweather in 2017, a fight which earned him close to £100million. McGregor revealed his hopes of returning to the ring when he said of a fight against Pacquiao: "It's still there. Could be December. The Saudi's are game changers in the market 100 per cent."
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Pacquiao was called out by McGregor at the end of last year when the Irishman was ringside for Anthony Joshua's knockout win over Otto Wallin. McGregor expressed his frustration at still not having a date for his UFC return and told Pacquiao to put some weight on for their potential clash.
"Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class,” he said. “Why not? It’s his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight, I should be able to use more of my weapons. I should be able to kick. I should be able to grapple. Shouldn’t that be fair? … Say it to him. Is he a man or a mouse? Is Manny a man or a mouse?”