The biggest UFC superstar Conor McGregor has been absent from the octagon since his leg injury back in July 2021. McGregor suffered a fractured fibula and tibia in a second straight loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
Fight fans have been waiting eagerly for McGregor’s comeback since then. ‘The Notorious’ has been making preparations for his comeback and is expected to return to action next year. Previously, it was rumored that McGregor would return in late 2022.
But later it was confirmed that the Irishman will make his highly-anticipated comeback in early 2023. McGregor has bulked up and stated that he’ll fight at a higher weight class for his comeback. He teased a title fight either in the lightweight or welterweight division.
‘The Notorious’ often engages in a war of words with fellow UFC fighters on social media. He has called out several fighters from different weight classes. But for now, it is expected that McGregor will fight in the welterweight division when he comes back.
Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler teased for McGregor’s return
Conor McGregor has a wide range of opponents to choose from for his return fight. When Charles Oliveira was the lightweight champion, there was a possibility that McGregor would fight the Brazilian for the title. Oliveira called out McGregor for a bout.
However, things are different now and there has been no official announcement made about McGregor’s return fight so far. But the most realistic opponent for the Irishman is Michael Chandler. Moreover, Dana White has also hinted that Chandler will most likely be Conor’s next opponent.
Chandler has called out McGregor several times but ‘The Notorious’ never responded. Chandler has increased his popularity by a lot since he arrived at the promotion and has fought some of the toughest lightweights.
Despite being 2-3 in the UFC, Chandler has delivered back-to-back blockbuster performances. He knocked out Tony Ferguson with an all-time great front kick KO and is coming off a submission loss against Dustin Poirier at UFC 281.
If this fight gets official, it will surely be a huge money fight for Chandler. But it will also be a treat for the fight fans who will get to watch two of the most entertaining fighters square off against each other.
Conor McGregor expected to return in 2023
Conor McGregor is training hard and is ready to make his comeback by early 2023. However, the former two-division champ has gained a massive size and will need to re-enter the USADA testing pool before he can return to active competition.
His bulked-up physique has also attracted some steroid allegations. It is a big question if McGregor can compete in the lightweight division with that physique. He is now shooting a Hollywood movie, ‘Road House’ alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
McGregor recently tweeted that he is planning to make his return to the welterweight division. ‘The Notorious’ also has a rivalry with Jorge Masvidal and a fight between the two is a possibility. However as Chandler competes at lightweight, he will need to move up to 170 lbs to fight McGregor.
McGregor’s comeback is one of the most anticipated events in the history of the promotion. The fans are also eager to see if ‘The Notorious’ can perform like before after such a brutal injury.