Conor McGregor has promised to make a strong return to the UFC after an injury led to the postponement of his much-anticipated bout against Michael Chandler, reported by the Independent.

The return of the Irish MMA superstar has been shrouded in uncertainty. McGregor, who hasn't fought since suffering a broken leg in a fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler. However, a fresh injury derailed these plans, leading to the official cancellation of the fight.

Conor McGregor's announcement

Conor McGregor speaks to press on the red carpet before the premiere of Road House at the Paramount Theatre in Austin
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

On Thursday, McGregor took to social media to reassure his fans and the MMA community, declaring, “I’ll be back.” He referenced his impressive 40-second knockout victory against Donald Cerrone in 2020, signaling his determination to return stronger than ever.

Amid the speculation, UFC president Dana White stepped in to clarify the circumstances surrounding the cancellation. Rumors had been circulating that McGregor was renegotiating for a higher purse, especially with the prospect of a record-breaking $20 million-plus gate at Las Vegas’s T-Mobile Arena.

Dana White's Clarification

In an interview on The Jim Rome Show, White dismissed these claims, defending McGregor's reputation as a reliable business partner. “Conor McGregor has never tried to renegotiate a contract or demand more money leading up to a fight,” Dana White said. “He is as solid as solid can be when it comes to being a business partner. Conor McGregor is hurt right now, it’s absolutely real.”

With the fight against Chandler now postponed, McGregor is focusing on his recovery. The bout is reportedly facing a two to three-month delay, giving McGregor time to heal and prepare for his comeback.

McGregor’s last fight was a memorable one, though not for positive reasons. In July 2021, he suffered a brutal leg injury in his rematch against Dustin Poirier, which ended in a doctor's stoppage. This followed a knockout loss to Poirier six months earlier, marking a challenging period for the former dual-weight champion.

On the other side, Michael Chandler, 38, has not fought since November 2022, when he lost to Dustin Poirier via submission. The American fighter was looking forward to a high-profile bout with McGregor, but now he too must wait for the rescheduled fight.

What's next for McGregor

Despite the setback, McGregor’s announcement has reignited excitement among his fans and the MMA community. His declaration of “I’ll be back” is a promise of his return to the octagon, where he aims to reclaim his status as one of the sport's biggest stars.

Fans worldwide are now eagerly awaiting updates on McGregor’s recovery and the new date for the fight against Chandler. The bout is highly anticipated not only for the potential fireworks inside the cage but also for what it means for McGregor’s career trajectory. A win could propel him back into title contention, while a loss could raise questions about his future in the sport.

Conor McGregor’s influence on MMA is undeniable. From his charismatic persona to his explosive fighting style, he has brought millions of new fans to the sport. His fights are not just contests but events that capture the imagination of audiences globally.

As McGregor works towards his comeback, the MMA world waits with bated breath. The postponement of his fight with Michael Chandler is a temporary setback in what promises to be an exciting chapter in McGregor’s storied career. With his determination and the support of his fans, McGregor is poised to make a triumphant return to the UFC, ready to add more memorable moments to his legacy.