Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the UFC, slated to feature a clash against Michael Chandler, has encountered yet another setback as the UFC is yet to find a date for the fight. 

Earlier this year, McGregor announced that the fight against Chandler would be held on June 29, during International Fight Week. But this will no longer take place as planned, at least according to the latest from UFC President Dana White, who is targeting the fixture to be held towards the last months of the year, as there is currently no date for the fight. 

In an interview he featured on recently, White expressed optimism about the fight’s eventual realization, expressing hope for a fall timeframe. However, the absence of a concrete date is the latest development in a series of delays that has affected the right since the first day it was hinted at. 

Initially expected to materialize in the past year following McGregor’s coaching role on the reality show, the fight faced obstacles due to McGregor’s absence from the UFC’s anti-doping program following a devastating leg injury in his last outing against Dustin Poirier in 2021.

Although McGregor resumed participation in the anti-doping program in October, regulatory requirements dictate a six-month testing period before his octagon return, effectively ruling out a potential appearance at UFC 300 in April.

Chandler, McGregor’s slated opponent, has remained steadfast in his commitment to the matchup despite the prolonged delay. The delays and disappointments so far have not dampened Chandler’s spirit as he remains steadfast as ever, hopeful that White would announce a definite date for the fight soon. 

Having last competed at UFC 281 in November 2022, Chandler, just like McGregor, faces the prospect of nearly two years on the sidelines before confronting McGregor, assuming a fall date materializes.

In the coming weeks, hopefully, the UFC will fix a date for the match that we can all look forward to. 

Leon Osamor