Conor McGregor Announces UFC Comeback and Ambitious Fight Schedule

Irish mixed martial artist Conor McGregor has officially announced his return to the UFC stage, marking his highly-anticipated comeback during his appearance at London’s O2 Arena to witness the boxing clash between Anthony Joshua and Robert Helenius. Nicknamed ‘The Notorious,’ McGregor (22-6) has unveiled his upcoming battles, including a headline match against Michael Chandler (23-8) scheduled for December.

McGregor’s announcement was not limited to just one bout; he also revealed his plans for the octagon in 2024. The fighter shared his intention to engage in two additional matchups, piquing fans’ excitement. His future agenda includes a showdown with Justin Gaethje, followed by the much-anticipated closing chapter of his trilogy against Nate Diaz.

Speaking about his upcoming challenges, McGregor confidently stated, “Chandler next December and then Gaethje’s BMF and then we’ll do the Nate trilogy.”

The Irish athlete’s hiatus from competition followed a gruesome fracture he sustained during his encounter with Dustin Poirier in 2021. Before making his comeback, McGregor underwent rigorous six months of anti-doping testing, with a mandatory requirement of at least two negative tests. The stringent protocol was necessary as McGregor had temporarily exited the USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) testing pool that monitors active athletes.

The familiarity between McGregor and Chandler runs deep, having both taken centre stage in ‘The Ultimate Fighter 31,’ a renowned UFC reality show. Chandler’s team emerged victorious in the competition. During the show, McGregor had already hinted at his comeback in December.

Engaging in Twitter banter in early August, McGregor and Gaethje exchanged heated words and even alluded to a potential contract agreement. Gaethje inquired, “Did you sign the contract, big guy?” to which McGregor promptly responded with “signed.” This Twitter exchange further fueled anticipation for their impending match.

One of the most iconic rivalries in UFC history, the trilogy between Diaz and McGregor has captivated audiences worldwide. Their initial face-off at UFC 196 resulted in victory for Diaz, while McGregor emerged triumphant in their UFC 202 rematch. This storied rivalry remains unfinished, as fans eagerly await the third instalment of their captivating showdowns.