Conor McGregor hints at when UFC return may happen after injury

The return of one of combat sports’ biggest stars could finally have some traction.

While speaking with reporters at a Bare Knuckle Fight Championship press conference in Marbella, Spain, McGregor seemed to solidify his return date to the UFC.

“Dec. 14, is that going to be the new date?” journalist Chisanga Malata asked McGregor about his timeline for fighting Michael Chandler.

“That sounds good to me, mate,” McGregor responded with a wry smile.

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The former featherweight and lightweight champion was slated to make his first fighting appearance since July 2021 on June 29 at UFC 303 by finally squaring off with Chandler.

Instead, McGregor withdrew from the fight due to a broken pinky toe — only prolonging his absence of more than two years.

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In place of McGregor-Chandler, UFC president Dana White quickly pivoted to move Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka to the event’s main card.

Additional reports have suggested that a December fight for McGregor may indeed be in the works.

While appearing on “The MMA Hour,” reporter Ariel Helwani shared that the “hope” is McGregor will fight on Dec. 14.

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Helwani added that the Irishman likely will not be part of the Sept. 14 UFC 306 card at The Sphere — which presumably will include Sean O’Malley vs. Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight belt.

The ever-present social media user McGregor also insinuated that he could fight in December while replying to Chandler.

“I talked to Dana today about our new date, all looking good! 24’ for sure” McGregor wrote on July 13, adding a thumbs up and praying hands emoji.

Although McGregor’s injury and decision not to fight sparked significant fallout — and backlash — among the MMA community, he remains one of the sport’s most influential figures, and his return could prove one of UFC’s most-watched events in years.

Notably, McGregor shared from Spain that he has just two fights left on his current contract, which would only amplify fans’ interest in watching the 36-year-old compete in the octagon.

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