Michael Chandler claims that an ‘official announcement’ for the Conor McGregor return fight has finally been confirmed behind the scenes at the UFC.
After months of speculation from both fans and fighters alike, UFC favorite Michael Chandler has finally confirmed to TMZSports that all systems are go for the super-fight with Conor McGregor this summer.
Another rollercoaster week ahead of Conor McGregor’s UFC return
It’s been yet another rollercoaster week for speculation surrounding Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the UFC octagon.
Earlier in the week, McGregor said at the Road House premiere “I hope we get some clarity on the date” soon, adding that there was a possibility of him losing interest if the UFC stalled on its communications.
Then, on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Dana White responded by stating that the pair would continue negotiations after the Road House film was released via Prime Video on Thursday.
Thankfully, the turbulent week has ended on somewhat more definitive terms, with Michael Chandler finally confirming that plans have finally been set in stone behind the scenes.
Chandler vs McGregor fight details have been ‘confirmed’ behind closed doors
Speaking to TMZSports, Michael Chandler finally confirmed that an official announcement has been made to him by the UFC – unfortunately, ‘Iron’ is still playing coy when it comes to the exact date of the fight.
“I’ve got the official announcement; it’s happening this summer. I can’t tell you the actual date but it’s happening this summer yes…The official status is yes; we are fighting this summer.”
“We’ll let the court of public opinion speculate on what the date is but it’s definitely this summer – we’re giving you a window that we’re going to be fighting in,” he teased.
“We’re getting darn close man we are getting really close…He’s starting training, I’m starting training and we’re going to collide this summer – so it’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Chandler noted that “It’s been an interesting ride, it’s been a fun ride” dealing with both McGregor and media speculation but this was “what I signed up for.”
The former Bellator world champion also fired back at fans claiming he was rolling over too easily for ‘Red Panty Night’ regarding the weight class changes, sharing that “it doesn’t matter” about the when or where just as long as he gets the who.
“Conor and I are about the same size at all times, we’ve fought in the same weight class our entire lives – so it doesn’t matter what the weight class is, all that matters is the confines of competition…And I’m going to go out there and take his head off.”
Chandler reveals he’s also in McGregor’s new Road House movie
Conor McGregor has been busy promoting the new Road House movie, which is now available to stream via Amazon Prime Video.
Whilst the Irishman plays one of the two main roles opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, Chandler also confirmed that he’s also in the film – albeit only a minor cameo highlight:
“So, a couple of weeks before my last fight, I flew down to the Dominican Republic and me and Jake did a fight scene together. Basically, just one of his highlights, but I was not going to pass up on the opportunity. I did not cross paths with Conor, I think he had just left actually.”
Whilst Chandler is steadfast that he will be the one to face McGregor in his return fight, ‘Notorious’ has also teased the possibility of facing old foes Dustin Poirier and Nate Diaz later in the year.