Despite Conor McGregor announcing International Fight Week return, Dana White gives DISAPPOINTING update on the superstar’s return

UFC CEO Dana White crushes hopes for fight fans as he reveals that Michael Chandler vs. Conor McGregor is not slated to happen this summer.

Despite Conor McGregor announcing International Fight Week return, Dana White gives DISAPPOINTING update on the superstar’s return

Dana White gives update on Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler (via IMAGO)

The much-anticipated MMA fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler has yet to receive an official date. This is according to UFC CEO Dana White. White said in an interview on Wednesday that he hoped the matchup could happen in the fall of 2024. He reiterated that there was “no date” set, and it likely won’t occur until at least six months from now.

Conor McGregor had previously announced on social media that the fight would occur on June 29th in Las Vegas. June 29 coincides with the International Fight Week of the UFC. However, White disputed this, saying: 

There is no date. I'm hoping for the fall, [that we can] get it done in the fall.
Dana White via The Pat McAfee show
YouTube video

The two fighters coached TUF 31 opposite each other. A fight between the two was expected to be formally announced after the show finished airing. Even after a year since the TUF filming began, the UFC has yet to announce a date. The fight promises to be one of the highest-profile UFC events in recent memory, pitting two of the promotion’s biggest stars against each other.

FS Video

White’s fall return seems a realistic target if McGregor can complete his necessary drug testing. Whenever it takes place, fight fans can expect intense interest and hype around the showdown between “Notorious” and “Iron.” Fans are eager to see the fireworks when these two dynamic fighters start throwing.

Conor McGregor anticipated his return date for UFC comeback

Irish superstar Conor McGregor recently posted on social media that he will face American Michael Chandler on June 29th. However, the UFC has not confirmed this proposed bout. 

Conor McGregor reveals he will take on Michael Chandler on June 29
Conor McGregor reveals he will take on Michael Chandler on June 29 (via Sports Illustrated)

McGregor had formally announced his fight date against Michael Chandler in the previous month. He had kept the fight fans in anticipation as he said he would release a video about his fight. UFC CEO Dana White crushed hopes for the fans as he revealed that the UFC has not yet confirmed anything about McGregor vs. Chandler. 

McGregor has not competed since July 2021, when he broke his leg in a bout against Dustin Poirier. The public spat between UFC and drug testing agency USADA has further muddled McGregor’s return timeline. There are still issues to resolve behind closed doors. While the date is unclear, sources affirm McGregor will fight Chandler at some point in 2024. The UFC’s top box office draw remains intent on returning to the cage this year. But fight fans will have to stay patient for an official date.

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