Conor McGregor: 'This will be the greatest comeback in combat sports'

Conor McGregor suffered a devastating leg injury last year but promised the greatest comeback in the history of combat sports.

Ahead of Tuesday’s premier of The Ultimate Fighter, where McGregor is a coach against expected opponent Michael Chandler, McGregor opened up about his impending return. There is no official fight date against Chandler yet though.

However, McGregor promised history when he makes his return to the octagon.

“You know, not only just a return Megan, the greatest return in combat sports,” McGregor told UFC reporter Megan Olivi. “This is going to be, you know, I’m gonna kick this guy in the head. He’s just taylor made for being kicked all over the place and that’s what I’m aiming for. I’m aiming to wrap this steel bar around the opponent.

“And you’re gonna see a visual of the leg hanging off and then you’re going to see a visual of the head hanging off. So I’m excited for it and motivated for it. Steady, making my way towards it.”

Chandler wanted McGregor for quite awhile since he debuted in the UFC. After losing a title fight to Charles Olivieria, Chandler kept his excitement streak going in wins and losses against Tony Ferguson and Dustin Poirier, respectively.

Conor McGregor eager for UFC return against Michael Chandler

McGregor felt Chandler was a solid choice for his return.

“He’s put on some exciting fights,” McGregor said. “He’s eager, he’s willing to fight, he’s a game. And he’s not a bad fighter either. So I’m happy with the opponent. I don’t actually care. I accepted this show. It was me and Chandler, so again, it doesn’t bother me. What do I hope for in this world Megan? I hope for 100 more fights.

“I hope for consistency, I hope for a run. I’ve had this on off, on off for the last while and it’s you know, I just want to get this nice consistency going. And I’m hoping now when I come back, this is where it’s at.”

McGregor has not fought in the UFC since July 2021, his third fight with Dustin Poirier. The fight ended prematurely due to McGregor breaking his leg in the first round. It was his second straight defeat at the hands of Poirier.

McGregor is 22-6 in his MMA career but lost three of his last four fights. Two were to Poirier and one was to Khabib Nurmagomedov for the UFC Lightweight Championship.

McGregor is a former two-weight champion in the promotion but only fought four times since November 12, 2016. He won his second belt over Eddie Alvarez and became the first to hold two belts at once.