Conor McGregor return set vs. Michael Chandler at UFC 303

LAS VEGAS — Conor McGregor's return fight has been officially confirmed.

UFC CEO Dana White announced Saturday night that McGregor will fight his scheduled opponent, Michael Chandler, in the main event of UFC 303 on June 29 in Las Vegas. The card will highlight the UFC's annual International Fight Week.

McGregor had said on January 1st that he would fight Chandler on that date, but it was not officially announced until White's announcement. White said the fight will be held at 170 pounds.

McGregor, the biggest star in UFC history, hasn't fought since July 2021, when he broke his left foot in a fight with Dustin Poirier. McGregor and Chandler coached each other on The Ultimate Fighter in 2023, and the two were scheduled to compete after the reality show ended.

McGregor (22-6) has only one win in the UFC since 2016 and only four fights since then, not counting his blockbuster boxing match against Floyd Mayweather in 2017. The Irish fighter has lost back-to-back losses to Poirier in 2021. The latter won by TKO due to a broken leg. McGregor, 35, is the first UFC fighter to hold two division titles at the same time, winning the lightweight belt in 2016 while already holding the featherweight championship.

Chandler (23-8) hasn't fought since a submission loss to Poirier at UFC 281 in November 2022. The Missouri fighter, who trains in Florida, is one of the greatest fighters in Bellator history and is a three-time world lightweight champion. Chandler, 37, has only lost to top fighters in the UFC, including former champions Charles Oliveira and Justin Gaethje.