After nearly three years away from the octagon, Conor McGregor of Ireland is set to make his comeback against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, scheduled for June 29th in Las Vegas. McGregor, a former two-weight champion, last fought in July 2021, experiencing two consecutive losses since then. The announcement of the welterweight bout with American fighter Chandler came shortly after UFC 300 in Las Vegas, as confirmed by UFC officials.
With 22 wins and six defeats in his mixed martial arts (MMA) career, McGregor, now 35, faces off against Chandler, aged 37, who holds a record of 23 wins and 8 losses. McGregor’s recent defeat against Poirier in July 2021 saw him sustain a leg injury, adding to his loss against Poirier six months prior. Despite his illustrious career, McGregor has only secured one victory since his historic achievement as the UFC’s first simultaneous two-weight champion in 2016, claiming titles in lightweight and featherweight divisions.
Chandler’s transition from Bellator to the UFC in 2021 has been eventful, marked by thrilling fights despite facing three losses in his five UFC bouts. Notably, Chandler faced setbacks against Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Poirier, showcasing his resilience and skill in the octagon. The much-anticipated match-up between McGregor and Chandler was initially hinted at early last year, during their stint as opposing coaches on the UFC’s reality TV series, Ultimate Fighter. Now, with the official confirmation, fans eagerly await their clash in what promises to be a riveting encounter at UFC 303.
