Conor McGregor provides huge update on announcement of date for UFC showdown with Michael Chandler
CONOR MCGREGOR has revealed his eagerly-anticipated return to the UFC will be announced imminently.
The Notorious will return to octagon later this year for a mouthwatering showdown with fellow fan favourite Michael Chandler.
The UFC, however, have yet to announce a date for the fight due to McGregor seemingly being out of their drug testing pool.
But Mystic Mac insists all will be revealed in the coming weeks, telling TMZ when asked about the date: “Soon, very soon.
“An announcement soon.”
The delay in announcing McGregor vs Chandler has stemmed from the former not being back in the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s testing pool.
UFC and USADA policy require returning fighters to be in the pool for a minimum of six months before they’re eligible to compete, although the former can grant an exemption to the rule.
McGregor’s clash with Chandler – his opposite coach on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter – will be his first outing since breaking his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
They got up close and personal during the latest season of TUF, in which they were embroiled in a heated altercation.
Earlier this month, the UFC released a snippet of their near brawl in the latest trailer for the long-running reality TV show.
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The footage shows McGregor getting in Chandler’s face and telling him: “Shut up, I’ll break your nose.”
The Irishman then proceeded to shove Iron in the face with two hands before long-time team-mate and training partner Cian Cowley jumped in.
The delay in announcing his clash with former Bellator lightweight champ Chandler has led many MMA fans to doubt the match-up coming to fruition.
But McGregor has a message to his detractors, saying: “I’ll see you soon.”
The UFC’s poster boy is hoping his comeback fight will be the catalyst for a return to active ways of old, telling Barstool Sports: “What do I hope for in this world?
“I hope for 100 fights. I hope for 100 more fights.
“I’m working for consistency. I’ve been having this on, off, on, off nonsense for too long.
“Via fight politics, via injuries, via just life. It does happen.”
“It’s God’s plan. It’s all God, so I accept and understand it.
“But I’m excited and hopeful that I can get a nice consecutive run of bouts.”