UFC boss Dana White made an interesting announcement today for MMA fans on Saturday afternoon as he confirmed Conor McGregor will make his long-awaited return to the ring later this year and fight American Michael Chandler.
In a live announcement on Twitter, White said both Chandler and McGregor would feature as coaches on the next season of the The Ultimate Fighter before staging a pay-per-view fight.
The date and venue were not confirmed but White said the fight would take place some time this year.
McGregor has not stepped inside the Octagon for a UFC fight since losing by TKO in the first round to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Chandler has a record of 23-8.
Conor McGregor: sponsor of Taylor v Serrano II?
The news comes as McGregor is carrying out live negotiations on Twitter to provide security for the mooted Taylor-Serrano II fight at Croke Park.
Taylor's Matchroom representatives and Croke Park seemed resigned to defeat in terms of staging the event at GAA HQ. However late last night Conor McGregor offered to step in and foot the rumoured €500k difference between the two camps.
Hearn seemed interested.
In your DMs 👊 🥃 https://t.co/5MZL8jehae
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) February 3, 2023
And while it's easy to write this off as McGregor shenanigans, it is believed to be a serious offer. Taylor-Serrano II is expected to be announced tonight at Madison Square Garden for the 3Arena on May 20 should Amanda Serrano beat Erika Cruz.
In other McGregor-related news, Liam Neeson yesterday said McGregor gives Ireland a bad name.
"That little leprechaun Conor McGregor, he gives Ireland a bad name. I know he's fit, and I admire him for that. But I can't take it"
Neeson also said he's not much of an MMA guy.
"UFC I can't stand. That to me is like a bar fight. I know the practitioners are like, 'no, you're wrong—the months of training we do. Why don't you just grab a beer bottle and hit the other guy over the head? That's the next stage of the UFC. I hate it."
