Conor McGregor has named an opponent, date and venue for his much-anticipated UFC comeback.
The former two-division UFC champion, who hasn’t fought since breaking his leg at UFC 264, was set to make his return to the octagon on June 29 against Michael Chandler at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
McGregor was just weeks away from fight night but in a huge blow, Dana White confirmed that the scheduled bout would be cancelled after the Irishman suffered a broken toe in training.
Chandler only found out about the postponement on his way to the airport, while McGregor issued a statement addressing the situation.
“We sincerely apologise to all the fans who were planning to attend,” the UFC said in a statement of their own. “When we have further information on a new date and time, we will share it immediately. – Thank you.”
For the time being, it looks like a match-up between Chandler and McGregor is off the cards. That being said, the latter claims he will return to the octagon in February.
Speaking to Bloody Elbow at a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event in Marbella, the 36-year-old was asked if he has a message for old foe Floyd Mayweather.
“F*** Floyd,” he replied, before being prodded about his next opponent.
To the surprise of many, he then named Dan Hooker, who is currently fifth in the UFC Lightweight rankings, as the man he will face on February 1 in Saudi Arabia.
Hooker was asked about his plans after Saturday night’s bare knuckle bout between Ben Davis and Oscar Willis. “I’ve got an opponent early next year that I’m focused on, he’s just a busy man,” he said.
“From coming over here and seeing all the things that he’s got going on, if I had that amount of businesses and that much money I don’t think you’d catch me anywhere near a cage for the rest of my days.”
Hooker added: “So I can understand. It kind of is what it is, I’m going to fight between January and March and you know me, it doesn’t really matter who that is. I always say yes.”