CONOR MCGREGOR claims his UFC return is ‘OFFICIAL’ for the summer – despite Dana White recently saying otherwise.
The Irishman, 35, claimed last December that his long-awaited comeback clash with Michael Chandler would close out International Fight Week on June 29.
4Conor McGregor claimed late last year that his fight with Michael Chandler will take place on June 29Credit: GETTY
4UFC president Dana White denied that claim and insisted the Irishman will be back in the autumnCredit: GETTY
4But McGregor insists the June 29 date is locked inCredit: GETTY
UFC bigwig White, however, recently claimed nothing about the fan favourite’s return had been finalised and that he expected him to be back in action in the autumn.
But The Notorious insists he’ll throw down with Chandler in the main event of UFC 303, telling Adam’s Apple when asked when the fight is happening: “June 29.”
When further pressed on the date being official, McGregor roared: “Yeah, call that!”
McGregor’s claim comes just days after he revealed his frustrations at the apparent delaying of his return and ambitions to have a trilogy fight with long-time rival Nate Diaz.
He wrote on his Instagram story: “I wish for this on Mexican Independence Day in the sphere. Chandler June. Diaz September.
“I have let this be known.”
The former two-weight champion said of his return: “Still holding hope for June 29.
“Lack of action on it, however, is now causing lack of enthusiasm. I need a decision soon.
“I am the most tested athlete under this new regime. Yet no date to fight.
“The game is a bit lacklustre also at present, which isn’t helping. I hope these next few cards pop and I get a date.
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“Eliminate distractions and begin real work towards it.”
He also claims a lucrative boxing match with Manny Pacquiao is still on the cards, saying: “[It] could be [in] December.
“The Saudis are game changers in the market 100 per cent.”
Former two-division champion McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
The Dubliner has been champing at the bit to get back inside the cage since completing his rebab, although UFC president and CEO White still has his doubts about him being “ready”.
He told Kevin Iole: “Only Conor knows [when he’s ready].
“These are questions for Conor McGregor, not me. I know he’s training.
“I don’t know what level of training he’s doing.
“I don’t know what level of kicking he’s doing right now. I don’t know any of that stuff.
“I need to know the guy’s in a full camp and he’s ready to go. Conor McGregor has a movie coming out.
“He’s got businesses that he’s built.
“It’s a completely different dynamic when you’re dealing with a guy that has this kind of money.”
4Conor McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his leg nearly three years agoCredit: AP
