Conor McGregor next fight: All we know about when Notorious will return as UFC superstar confirms opponent and date

The saga surrounding Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC is over.

It has been over two-and-a-half years since the superstar broke his leg during his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in what was the last time he set foot in the Octagon. 

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McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his leg more than two years agoCredit: Getty
However, ‘Notorious’ is now fully fit and has been pursuing a fight with former three-time Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler. 

McGregor and Chandler have been going back and forth while the bout has been in the works.

That’s due to many ongoing issues with the UFC, USADA, Dana White and more, so talkSPORT.com takes a look at what we know…

Conor McGregor next fight: Is his opponent confirmed? 
McGregor vs Chandler is set to happen, with the Irishman confirming the date and location of his comeback fight.

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Speaking on a video posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, he said: “Ladies and gentlemen, a Happy New Year to you all.

“I would like to announce the return date for myself. The Notorious Conor McGregor. For the greatest comeback of all time, will take place in Las Vegas for International Fight Week on June 29th.

“The opponent, Michael Chandler. The weight, Mr Chandler. 185lb.”

This news comes after the pair filmed a series of The Ultimate Fighter together.

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McGregor and Chandler have been going back and forth
UFC lightweight Michael Chandler predicts he’ll knock out Conor McGregor within two rounds with the pair set to fight in 2024

Conor McGregor next fight: When will it happen? 
McGregor’s return to the UFC will happen in June 2024, barring any further setbacks.

The bout with Chandler is set to take place on Saturday, June 29 in Las Vegas.

The venue for the fight will be confirmed later in the year.

In the same social media post announcing his return, McGregor claimed that he will fight Chandler at middleweight – the UFC hasn’t confirmed or denied his claim yet.

Conor McGregor next fight: What has been said? 
Chandler has already started the trash talk ahead of this much-anticipated clash with McGregor.

Speaking after the fight was confirmed, he said: “I always said I wanted you at your biggest, your baddest and your best. 185 would look good on me.

“Don’t forget who was a natural featherweight who started his UFC career fighting cherry-picked bantamweights.”

And in an interview with talkSPORT.com, Chandler revealed his plan to knock McGregor out in two rounds.

He said: “We knock Conor out in two [rounds].

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“You give me one year to prepare for a guy like Conor McGregor, I’m going to be a different animal whenever I go out there and compete against him.

“I’ve been watching the tapes, watching the training footage and we’ve got a nice little game plan we are putting together down in Florida.”