The renowned MMA icon Conor McGregor is poised to make a triumphant return to the octagon. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed on Saturday night that McGregor is slated to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29 in Las Vegas.
Connor McGregor’s UFC Comeback
This announcement solidifies McGregor’s earlier indication of facing Chandler, with the duo having previously coached against each other on The Ultimate Fighter. McGregor’s last bout was in 2021, where he suffered a leg injury against Dustin Poirier, marking his third loss in four fights since 2016.
Despite his recent setbacks, McGregor remains a colossal draw for the UFC, having featured in six of the biggest pay-per-view fights in the sport’s history, with eight of the top 10 to his credit. Notably, his clash with Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 drew a staggering 2.4 million buys and generated approximately $180 million in broadcast revenue.
Beyond MMA, McGregor’s ventures extend into boxing, where his showdown with Floyd Mayweather in 2017 ranks as the second best-selling bout of all time. This match amassed 4.3 million domestic PPV buys and over $600 million in total revenue, contributing significantly to McGregor’s financial stature.
Sportico’s ranking places McGregor 50th among the world’s highest-paid athletes, with an estimated career earnings of $555 million when adjusted for inflation. Notably, a substantial portion of his income stems from the sale of his whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve, and the Mayweather fight, underscoring McGregor’s multifaceted success beyond the octagon.
