All eyes are on Conor McGregor, and the buzz is real. Despite the whispers and the calendar suggesting a fall return, McGregor’s got his sights set on UFC 303. It’s happening during International Fight Week, and he’s not shy about it.
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Once a champ, always a champ. McGregor, the former UFC two-division titleholder, spilled the beans during a quick Q&A on Instagram. He’s itching to get back in the ring at UFC 303. He dropped a bombshell on New Year’s Eve, announcing a face-off with Michael Chandler at 185 pounds. But, Dana White, the UFC’s head honcho, threw cold water on that, pointing to a later date for McGregor’s comeback.
“Still holding hope for June 29,” McGregor penned, a hint of frustration in his tone. “The clock’s ticking, and my patience is thinning. I’m the poster boy for testing under the new regime, yet here I am, dateless.”
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The MMA scene’s feeling a bit stale to McGregor these days. He’s crossing his fingers for an electrifying few cards to shake things up and lock in his fight date. “Time to cut the distractions and get down to business,” he added, eyes on the prize.
The rumor mill’s been churning about a trilogy fight with Nate Diaz. McGregor’s all in, eyeing a showdown on Mexican Independence Day at The Sphere in Vegas. “Chandler in June, Diaz in September,” he revealed, laying out his battle plan.
But wait, there’s more. McGregor hinted at a boxing rematch, this time against Manny Pacquiao, possibly by year’s end. Remember his 2017 boxing stint against Floyd Mayweather? This time, Saudi Arabia might play host.
“It’s still on the table,” McGregor teased about the Pacquiao fight. “December’s looking good. The Saudis? They’re game changers.”
Despite calling the sport “lackluster” of late, McGregor had some love for the UFC 300 card. Criticized by some, but in McGregor’s eyes, it’s a gem. “Impressed,” he admitted, tipping his hat to the lineup.
As for his return to the Octagon, the date’s still up in the air. It’s been a minute since his leg break against Dustin Poirier back in July 2021. When quizzed about his training, McGregor was all about the martial arts. “My kicks are ready,” he declared, signaling he’s more than just talk.