Conor McGregor is enthused with the task at hand.
Monday, for the first time since UFC president Dana White’s announcement, McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) spoke on camera about his upcoming matchup with Michael Chandler (23-8 MMA, 18-5 UFC), which will take place later this year.
“I’m looking forward to it,” McGregor told Daily Mirror outside his Dublin pub, Black Forge Inn. “I’m looking forward to it. I feel good, feel energetic, feel ready. I’m throwing up my high kicks faster than I’m throwing up my jab, so I’m very excited to get back.”
🚨EXCLUSIVE🚨@TheNotoriousMMA speaks for the first time on his comeback fight with Michael Chandler | @DonaghCorby_
Full story HERE: https://t.co/vAHXkNZdNz pic.twitter.com/LhKNmqWmEt
— Mirror Fighting (@MirrorFighting) February 13, 2023
While no date or location has been finalized for the bout, McGregor vs. Chandler is expected to take place, at the earliest, during the final quarter of 2023. The two fighters will coach Season 31 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” which is set to begin filming in the next few days and will feature lightweights and bantamweights. McGregor said Monday he will fly Tuesday to Las Vegas.
McGregor, 34, hasn’t competed since he suffered a broken leg during a trilogy bout loss to Dustin Poirier. Over the past 19 months, McGregor has rehabbed his injury simultaneously while filming his acting debut in a remake of 1989 film “Road House,” starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
Chandler, 36, has angled for a shot at McGregor since he signed with the promotion in late 2020. He will look to bounce back from a loss to Poirier, which occurred at UFC 281 in November.
