Another day, another leak about an upcoming UFC event. Whilst it is not something that is completely new to fight fans, it is surprising how such important information continues to leak out despite the promotion’s best attempts. With that said, the latest one pertains to none other than Conor McGregor and his return.
For the most part, ‘The Notorious One’ has been out of action for nearly three years now. Having suffered a brutal leg break in the trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier, the people have been left yearning for the Irishman’s return to the Octagon. In his time off, the former two-division champion managed to stay busy with his Hollywood debut, and also the shooting of TUF 31.
Conor McGregor says confidently that his return to the #UFC octagon will be June 29th 🇮🇪
Do you think we finally see The Notorious fight Michael Chandler during international fight week? pic.twitter.com/pkpmjqYEZg
— MMA Casuals (@MMA_CASUALS_) March 7, 2024
After a lot of talk, it was revealed that McGregor would be returning this year. However, the UFC remained quite tight-lipped and defiant on the matter. At the same time, his opponent, Michael Chandler, seemingly lost his sanity every day, calling for the fight. As it turns out, we might well be getting the fight, sooner than what some expected.
Cody Durden leaks Conor McGregor’s UFC return
Recently, UFC flyweight Cody Durden took to social media to share the news about his next fight. Durden, who suffered a submission loss to Tagir Ulanbekov in his last outing is clearly very keen to get back into action. As such, in a recent clip, the fighter revealed his next opponent and fight date.
“What’s up fight fans, I’m back in the Octagon June 29th, versus Carlos Hernandez. UFC 303! Michael Chandler vs ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor, let’s go baby!”
Cody Durden leaking Conor-Chandler?? 👀 pic.twitter.com/dGyGqaBkEh
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) March 24, 2024
Naturally, it did not take long for the fans to pick up on this and circulate the clip on social media. As such, the general consensus is that Durden committed yet another blunder, declaring information that he was not supposed to. Whilst fighters do tend to announce their fights ahead of time, revealing the headliner is certainly a big no, for any fighter.
With that said, many expect the fighter to face the full wrath of Dana White and the UFC for his actions. In the past, we’ve seen swift action being taken against those that go out of line with the UFC. A recent example of this was Ryan Clark being ‘fired’ from his show with Daniel Cormier after suggesting that the women’s bantamweight division should be dissolved.
What have Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler said about their fight?
For the most part, Conor McGregor making his return this year is not exactly news. Following the filming and release of Road House, the Irishman stated that things were in place for him to make his return to the Octagon in the summer. Notably, on New Year’s Eve, Conor had a whimsical announcement for the fight against Michael Chandler.
Unfortunately for Conor, the announcement was subsequently debunked by UFC President Dana White. Months later, McGregor revealed that he had finally gotten the call and things were moving in the right direction. In a recent interview, he stated:
“We got confirmation a few days ago that it’s all systems go and the Mac the notorious will be returning in the UFC Octagon this summer.”
Conor McGregor sets the date for his UFC comeback against Michael Chandler
📹 @espnmma @TheNotoriousMMA @MikeChandlerMMA #ConorMcGregor pic.twitter.com/pkKRM1LJIn
— Sportsmanor UFC (@sportsmanor_UFC) March 20, 2024
“We got confirmation a few days ago that it’s all systems go and The Mac, The Notorious will be returning in the UFC Octagon this summer.”
“If I say it, I do it. If I say it, it gets done, end of.”
As such, the last comment was likely in response to the fight being set for June 29th, which was the initial date that Conor McGregor had announced. After all the back and forth and twists in the tale, it is interesting to see how things have worked out in Conor’s favor. Similarly, Michael Chandler also confirmed that a fight was set for the summer, without revealing the date. There’s an “If you don’t know, now you know” for you, Mr. Dana White.
