It was in August 2023 that the last taped episode of The Ultimate Fighter 31 aired. It was believed coaches Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler would face off sometime soon, but fans got caught up in the waiting game.
And the waiting game continued.
It felt as though McGregor and Chandler would never face off, especially after a new season of TUF was recently announced. Finally, the waiting game is over, as the UFC announced the two fighters will compete against one another at UFC 303 on June 29.
UFC CEO Dana White announced the fight after UFC 300. The clash will be during International Fight Week in Las Vegas. It will be a five-round affair at 170 pounds.
WATCH: UFC 303: Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler, exclusively on ESPN+
McGregor turned pro in 2008. The "Notorious" one became a double champion when he beat Jose Aldo in 2015 for the UFC featherweight title and Eddie Alvarez in 2016 for the UFC lightweight belt. He then reached superstar status by fighting Floyd Mayweather in 2017, earning millions in a losing effort.
Since beating Alvarez and fighting Mayweather, McGregor has gone 1-3 in his last four. Taking lengthy breaks, McGregor is on a two-fight losing streak and has been recovering from a broken tibia following a loss against Dustin Poirier in 2021. He hasn’t fought since, promoting his new Road House movie, and making celebrity appearances instead of fighting.
Chandler is a former three-time Bellator lightweight champion and a two-time Big 12 Wrestling Championships silver medalist. Joining the UFC in 2021. Chandler has competed in several hard-hitting affairs since joining the UFC in 2021. "Iron" Mike last fought in November 2022, losing against Poirier.
MYSTIC MAC IS BACK 🔮🇮🇪@TheNotoriousMMA takes on @MikeChandlerMMA at 170lbs! #UFC303 pic.twitter.com/kt3a12qM6x
— UFC (@ufc) April 14, 2024
Instead of opting to fight someone else, Chandler bided his time, waiting for McGregor. He even called McGregor out on an episode of Monday Night Raw. UFC CEO Dana White has been asked several times about McGregor’s status, but White never budged regarding his fight status.
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“I don’t know. Conor McGregor’s got a lot of money. Any time we get Conor, we’ll be happy. You know, we’ll be thrilled when he comes and fights,” White said in February 2024 via MMA Junkie. “Money complicates a lot of things. He just filmed a movie. He’s got to do the press for the movie, and he’s got obligations with that. He does want to fight this year, but we’ll see what happens.”
The two will finally battle in a true clash of titans. Will it be worth the wait?
ESPN+ UFC 303 Early Bird Offer | Save $10 on the PPV price
Fans who purchase UFC 303 will save $10 on PPV price for the return of “Notorious” Conor McGregor.
New ESPN+ subscribers will receive a $15 discount if they purchase UFC 303 with an ESPN+ annual plan.
Offer ends Monday, June 24th at 12 a.m. PST.