McGregor outlines terms for UFC comeback, reiterates "incomplete matters" to settle
Conor McGregor Sets Conditions for UFC Return
Dubbed as 'The Notorious,' Conor McGregor, a UFC champ twice over, sparked excitement in the MMA world with his recent statements about making a comeback. Reflecting on the triumph of WrestleMania 41 in Vegas, McGregor expressed his terms:
"I ain't stepping in a cage, but I'll surely return to a stadium."
The former UFC 303 headliner was set to face his rival from The Ultimate Fighter, Michael Chandler, last June. However, McGregor had to back out due to a toe injury just a few weeks before the fight.
Immediately following his post about the return, he sent a message directly to MMA veteran Chandler: "Unfinished business, Iron Mike." Chandler promptly responded: "Unfinished business is loading..." The former Bellator champ continued: "Get the old contract out, add some fresh ink... I'm ready whenever you are. Your word is your reputation. If your word holds no weight, then you'll fade into oblivion."
Since sustaining a severe leg break and experiencing a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 last July, McGregor hasn't hit the octagon. During this time, he's become a BKFC co-owner and even contemplated running for Ireland's presidency. Chandler, though, suffered an early defeat against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314.
📌Did You Know?
- McGregor's Stadium Demand: McGregor has made it clear that he desires a large-scale event for his return[2]. Dana White, the UFC CEO, previously expressed opposition to stadium fights due to production difficulties, potentially posing a challenge[2].
- Chandler as a Likely Opponent: Chandler remains a focus for McGregor based on recent social media exchanges:
- McGregor's 4/22 Post: Tagging Chandler with "Unfinished Business," McGregor refers to their postponed 2024 fight that was canceled due to McGregor's toe injury[5].
- Chandler's Response: Chandler replied "Unfinished Business Loading..."[5], demonstrating mutual interest.
- Planned Opponent: Both fighters and multiple sources agree that Chandler is the planned opponent for McGregor[3][4][5].
- Unclear Timeline: Although there's talk of a potential event in 2025, no official UFC date has been announced[1]. Negotiations continue, with McGregor expressing that the comeback should be "the greatest... ever"[1][2]. The injury delay (since mid-2024) and McGregor's political pursuits[1][2] make scheduling complex.
- Given the conditions set by Conor McGregor for his UFC return, he supposedly aims to compete in a stadium, rather than a cage.
- Conor McGregor, the UFC champ, has unfinished mixed-martial-arts business with MMA veteran Michael Chandler, as evidenced by McGregor's recent social media post.
- The bookmakers may face a challenge predicting the timing of Conor McGregor's UFC comeback, due to ongoing negotiations, injuries, and McGregor's involvement in other pursuits.
- In the MMA world, Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler's potential fight is widely anticipated, with Chandler making it clear that he's ready anytime their unfinished business is settled.
