Conor McGregor is setting his own schedule, and the former UFC champion is targeting December for his return to the Octagon. McGregor laid out his plans for his next three fights, targeting Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje and Nate Diaz. All of that, though, remains unsigned as of now.
Conor McGregor Targets Michael Chandler Fight For December
While many questions have surrounded the notion that Conor McGregor will fight Michael Chandler, the former UFC champion believes it will happen.
McGregor, in an interview with TalkSport, revealed that he plans to face Chandler before the year end. After that, “Notorious” is targeting Justin Gaethje followed by a third fight with Nate Diaz. McGregor and Chandler recently finished serving as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter.
All of this, though, remains unsigned and unknown if any – or all – will actually happen.
“December, I have to do it,” McGregor said (thanks to MMA Fighting for the quotes). “I’ve just got to grab him by the chest. That’s what I’ve got do to.
“Chandler next in December and then Gaethje, BMF and then we’ll do the Nate trilogy.”
According to reports, McGregor has yet to enter into the USADA drug testing, which requires six months of test results before being allowed to compete. The UFC and USADA have waived it before for Brock Lesnar ahead of UFC 200.
The 35-year-old McGregor has not fought since 2021 when he lost to Dustin Poirier for a second time. That defeat came after he suffered a serious leg injury.
Earlier that year, he was bested by Poirier via second round TKO, as McGregor’s last win came in 2020 over Donald Cerrone. Overall, he is 22-6 with 19 knockout wins to his credit.
The McGregor-Diaz rivalry dates back to 2016 when the two shared the Octagon twice. Diaz won the first via second round submission, with McGregor taking the rematch by majority decision.
Over the weekend, McGregor was on hand for the Anthony Joshua-Robert Helenius bout that aired live on DAZN. The event took place from The O2 Arena in London, England.
