MICHAEL CHANDLER has hinted his showdown with Conor McGregor could “possibly” be announced TODAY.
Chandler, 36, won the race to welcome McGregor back to the UFC in February when the pair were pitted as rival coaches on season 31 of the Ultimate Fighter.
Conor McGregor is set to be welcomed back to the octagon by Michael ChandlerUFC / ESPN
INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMAThe Notorious’ absence from the USADA testing pool has seemingly delayed the fight[/caption]
TWITTER@MICHAELCHANDLERMMAChandler has hinted on Monday that the showdown could be announced on Tuesday[/caption]
But McGregor’s absence from the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s testing pool – which he has to be re-enrolled in for a minimum of six months – delayed the official booking of the fight.
The UFC’s poster boy suggested last weekend he’ll be granted an exemption to the written notice requirement and will be back in the octagon in December.
And Chandler has teased an announcement in the coming hours, tweeting on Monday night: “Headed to Bristol, CT now.
“Big day at @espn HQ tomorrow- a few shows to talk about #tuf31 and the fight between Conor and I.”
When asked by a fan if the fight date will be revealed, the former three-time Bellator lightweight champion said: “Possibly.”
The UFC’s final pay-per-view event of the year takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 16.
For McGregor to compete on the card, he will have to have been issued an exemption to the six-month testing pool requirement – which the UFC can give in “exceptional circumstances”.
Former two-division champion McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier two years ago.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
The MMA mogul is seemingly planning on fighting three more times before bringing the curtain down on his career.
When asked about his return date, he told talkSPORT: “December. [Michael] Chandler, I have to do it.
“I’ve just got to do that [smack] him. I’m gonna grab him by the chest [and smack him].
“That’s what I’ve got to do.”
“Chandler next in December and then [Justin] Gaethje, BMF, and then we’ll do the Nate [Diaz] trilogy.”
McGregor’s comments on his future came just days after UFC president Dana White insisted he was “ready to fight”.
The 54-year-old said last week: “Yes he’s fighting Chandler.”
White added: “I talked to Conor, either yesterday or the day before.
“And yeah, he’s ready to fight.
“I said, ‘Listen, get in shape and let’s figure this out.’”