Early this Saturday, Dana White scheduled another ‘special announcement’ on all of the UFC’s social media accounts, breaking the news of Conor McGregor’s return to the cage.
For a few weeks now, there have been rumblings of the Irishman’s return to competition with the rumoured opponent originally understood to be Tony Ferguson. “El Cucuy” recently tweeted that he was offered the opportunity to coach on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter, against Conor McGregor.
“I’ve Been Asked To Coach On TUF Against Ol’e Fathead, or Anyone Of My Choosing If That Cake-Eatin’ Sum’Bish’ Wouldn’t Show *mack* 🤦♂️ What A Vagina 🤣 Always Ready Anytime Anywhere,.. 📈 I Choose You McKnacker 🫵😎 @TheNotoriousMMA See Ewe🐑 Soon- Thee🏔️Champ 🤓 -CSO- 🇺🇸🏆🇲🇽 # 🎣 pic.twitter.com/oLZ1GqYBZk
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) January 27, 2023
Despite that, this Saturday the UFC announced the coaching match-up would be Michael Chandler vs Conor McGregor instead. Since his move to the promotional powerhouse in 2021, Chandler has consistently been calling for a bout with the UFC’s most prestigious star, but up until now, nothing had stuck.
The 36-year-old made it his goal to fight in the most exciting fights he could when he transitioned to the UFC, and after five fights he has done just that. This will mark McGregor’s first fight back since his devastating leg break against Dustin Poirier back in 2021.
Although the 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter will begin in May, it is yet to be confirmed when and where the culmination of the season will take place, which will of course be an event headlined by the two coaches.
