Conor McGregor is set to return to the UFC octagon after a three-year hiatus for a welterweight bout against Michael Chandler. This widely anticipated fight will headline UFC 303 in Las Vegas on 29 June. McGregor last competed in July 2021, where he suffered a leg injury during a fight against Dustin Poirier, leading to a loss by doctor’s stoppage. His opponent, Chandler, also fell to Poirier in his most recent fight by submission in November 2022.

Both McGregor and Chandler recently appeared as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter reality show, setting the stage for their upcoming confrontation. The two have a significant history in combat sports; McGregor, 35, is a former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion with a record of 22-6. His last victory was in January 2020. Chandler, 37, is a former three-time Bellator lightweight champion and holds a record of 23-8.

The fight announcement aligns with McGregor’s previous declaration of his return, made during a video reveal in December last year. UFC President Dana White has expressed that McGregor’s various commitments delayed his return, underscoring the need for him to be fully prepared for this bout.

This bout is set to take place during International Fight Week, an annual event that garners significant attention from UFC fans worldwide, promising an exciting and possibly pivotal match for both fighters’ careers.