UFC superstar Conor McGregor has recently confirmed his plans to return to the octagon, sharing his aspirations for the coming year with fans. After a series of delays and injuries, including a broken toe, you can expect McGregor to make a significant comeback in 2025.
Initially, McGregor was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler in 2023, but circumstances forced a postponement of this eagerly awaited matchup. In April, UFC president Dana White announced that McGregor was set to face Chandler in June 2024 following the much-anticipated UFC 300. However, with McGregor’s injury forcing this bout into limbo, Chandler has since sought alternative opponents, announcing a fight against Charles Oliveira in November.
In an interview held at Wembley Stadium during Anthony Joshua‘s bout against Daniel Dubois, McGregor expressed his frustration with the delays yet reaffirmed that you should expect him back in the octagon soon. “It will be 2025,” he stated, reinforcing his commitment to fighting, regardless of the circumstances surrounding his last scheduled bout. “My opponent that I had scheduled… it is what it is. I take it on board and rock on. My job is to go to the gym and be in shape, whenever it is and wherever it is. I will be 100 per cent ready,” he reassured fans.
Notably, McGregor, now 36, last fought in 2021, when he suffered a serious injury, breaking his leg during the fight against Dustin Poirier. In that same year, he lost to Poirier via knockout. Meanwhile, both McGregor and Chandler have been relatively inactive; Chandler’s most recent appearance was in November 2022 against Poirier, where he encountered defeat via submission. This has left you wondering what the future holds for both fighters.
McGregor is eager for a busy 2025, expressing his desire for two fights within the year. “I must get two fights in 2025. It’s the promised land,” he declared, leaving fans curious about who his opponents might be. While he hopes for a chance to face Chandler, McGregor remains open to fighting anyone, stating, “Who knows (who the next opponent will be). It does not matter. Whoever, let’s see.” This uncertainty presents an exciting prospect for UFC fans, as McGregor’s return is always met with tremendous buzz and anticipation.
In discussing the challenges he has faced in securing a fight date, McGregor lamented, “I’ve been tested more than twice than these other [UFC] athletes, yet I struggle to get a date.” His determination is evident, as he has even reached out to Saudi adviser Turki Al-Sheikh for assistance in his return to competitive fighting. The Kingdom has recently become involved in staging MMA events, which could open up new opportunities for McGregor.
As you look forward to the events of 2025, the excitement surrounding Conor McGregor‘s return to the UFC continues to build. His expected matches, particularly against Chandler or potentially other top fighters, are sure to deliver the thrilling action you’ve come to expect from this legendary fighter.