Conor McGregor Says He’ll Face Michael Chandler at Middleweight on June 29

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— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 31, 2023

If Conor McGregor is to be believed, a date has finally been set for his long-awaited Octagon return.

The former UFC two-division champion announced Sunday that he will square off against Michael Chandler in a middleweight bout during International Fight Week.

“Ladies and gentlemen, a Happy New Year to you all,” McGregor said in a video on social media. “I’d like to announce the return date for myself, the ‘Notorious’ Conor McGregor, the greatest comeback of all time will take place in Las Vegas for International Fight Week, June the 29th... and the opponent, Michael Chandler. And the weight, Mr. Chandler, 185 pounds.”

While the promotion has not officially confirmed the booking, Chandler did issue a brief statement regarding the bout to ESPN.

“Here we go,” Chandler said. “Any weight is good with me.”

McGregor and Chandler served as opposing coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter 31,” but their expected fight has been delayed since the conclusion of the reality show. Neither McGregor nor Chandler has competed at middleweight during their respective careers.

McGregor will be competing for the first time since July 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. The SBG Ireland standout has won just once in his last four promotional appearances dating back to 2018.

A former Bellator title holder, Chandler has also lost three of his last four outings. Most recently, Chandler fell to Poirier via third-round submission at UFC 281 in November 2022.