Conor McGregor CONFIRMS his UFC return as he announces fight against Michael Chandler this summer… as the ‘Notorious’ claims it’s ‘all systems go’ for a bout with his American rival

Conor McGregor has confirmed his return to the UFC after revealing plans to fight American rival Michael Chandler this summer.

McGregor, who recently promoted his film “Road House” with co-star Jake Gyllenhaal, has not set foot in the octagon since July 2021.

The Irishman lost to American star Dustin Poirier via doctor’s stoppage after breaking his leg in the first round of the fight.

After recovering from that injury, he was expected to return to the Octagon for a fight with Chandler in 2023, but that never materialized.

Now, however, McGregor insists the fight has been booked and all systems go for a fight with his American rival in the summer.

The Irishman has claimed he will fight Michael Chandler (R) for his return fight

Speaking to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, McGregor said: ‘We got confirmation a few days ago that everything is fine.

‘The Notorious returns to the UFC octagon this summer. Yes, Michael Chandler. I like Michael, but I’m going to pick him up.

“So Chandler in the summer. I have great news. It’s all system-go. I got a call, thumbs up. Everything is sweet’.

Chandler and McGregor were expected to face off in the octagon after appearing as coaches for the final season of The ultimate fighter show.

Normally the two coaches from both sides will fight in the UFC at the end of the season, but that did not happen until recently.

Just last month, UFC chief Dana White claimed money has ‘complicated’ McGregor’s long-awaited return to the organization.

White said during the UFC 298 post-fight press conference on Saturday: “The first problem was he broke that tibia.

“He was recovering from that. That was one of the reasons. The other problem is that he’s incredibly rich.’

White then hinted that McGregor’s role in the upcoming film ‘Road House’ is a commitment to promote the film leading up to its release.

The two UFC stars were tipped to face each other following their appearances on The Ultimate Fighter

White previously emphasized that ‘money’ was complicating McGregor’s long-awaited return

He continued, “I don’t know. Conor McGregor has a lot of money. Every time we get Conor we will be happy. You know, we’ll be happy if he comes to fight.

‘Money complicates many things. He just shot a movie. He has to take care of the press for the film, and he has obligations to that. He wants to fight this year, but we’ll see what happens.’

The UFC was also involved in the film’s production, as Gyllenhaal’s character appears to be an ex-UFC fighter. The film shot fight and weigh-in scenes through UFC 285 in March, with McGregor heavily involved in the marketing efforts.

The film was shot in the middle of McGregor’s hiatus after he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. The former two-division champion hasn’t seen the Octagon since.