.png)
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor's return is met with unwavering anticipation from Michael Chandler. The relentless pursuit of a showdown between 'The Notorious' and 'Iron' began in 2021 when Chandler made his UFC debut, persistently calling for a clash with McGregor.
The tension escalated when both fighters were selected to coach the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter. Although Chandler's team dominated the competition, the former Bellator champion has yet to schedule his return to the octagon. Despite swirling rumors of a potential 2023 comeback for McGregor, tentative plans now point to a summer 2024 return, according to statements from McGregor's coach, John Kavanagh.
During an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Michael Chandler addressed the delays and McGregor's speculative talk about a UFC 300 return. Chandler remained steadfast, stating,
"Just remember when they say things, maybe it's true. Maybe it's not true."
He acknowledged McGregor's attempts to dismiss their potential bout and create speculation but confidently declared,
"We're staying with the plan, we're right where we need to be."
Chandler expressed his resilience against mind games, stating, "I've had a year plus now to think about and visualize knocking Conor out... He's trying to wait me out, smoke me out.
But I'm going to be waiting here, man." In a bold declaration, Chandler asserted that the path to the "greatest comeback in combat sports history" goes through him, solidifying his readiness for the much-anticipated clash with Conor McGregor.