Michael Chandler gives major update on Conor McGregor fight status
The Irishman is anticipated to make his long-awaited comeback to the octagon this summer
Michael Chandler has provided an update on his potential bout with Conor McGregor amidst concerns for the former two-weight UFC champion.
McGregor, aged 35, has not competed since fracturing his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021 but is anticipated to make his long-awaited comeback to the octagon this summer.
The Irishman asserted earlier this week that his UFC comeback is imminent.
"We got confirmation a few days ago that it's all systems go and the Mac, The Notorious will be returning in the UFC octagon this summer," McGregor told ESPN.
However, those claims were rebutted by UFC boss Dana White, who denied that a date or even an opponent for McGregor had been agreed upon.
Speaking on McGregor's promotional duties for the recently released film Road House, White told the Pound4Pound podcast: "He has obligations to promote this movie. He has been flying all over the world, going to all the premieres to promote this movie. This is an obligation that he has to do.
"He committed to this movie and has obligations. He can't do both. Once this movie launches, then he can get back in the gym and start training full-time."
White added: "He needed this time to handle his obligations and now get back into full-time training. Which means, from Thursday on – we can start talking about fights for Conor."
During an interview with Sports Illustrated to promote Road House, McGregor appeared tired and uncomfortable, occasionally shrugging his shoulders.
Despite those concerns, Chandler insists that his fight with McGregor will take place this summer.
"I've got the official announcement. It's happening this summer. I can't tell you the actual date, but it's happening this summer, yes," Chandler told TMZ.
"Me vs. Conor. Obviously, this has been a year in the making. We did The Ultimate Fighter, he's been off obviously doing the Road House movie and all his other aspirations and accolades outside of the cage, so here we are, this summer, I'm ready.
"The official status is we have an agreement. We are fighting this summer. We’ll let the court of public opinion speculate on what the date is, but it’s definitely this summer.
"We're giving you a window that we're going to be fighting in. But yeah, it's always been Conor and I."
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