Conor McGregor has given himself a timeline to get ready for his UFC return.
McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) made it clear that he intends on making his long-awaited comeback to MMA at the UFC’s planned White House event next summer. McGregor, who has two fights remaining on his UFC contract, has re-entered the drug testing pool and still expects Michael Chandler to be his opponent.
“The Notorious” was scheduled to face Chandler at UFC 303 last June, but pulled out due to a broken pinky toe.
“I have eight months and change out to the White House event,” McGregor said during a pre-fight media call Wednesday. “It’s a six-month operation. I consider it a six-month operation to get ready for this bout, and that’s my focus right now. I’m just eager to climb the steps into being ready for my return. There’s a lot at stake, and I’m very excited at the opportunity.
“I was right there with my last one. I was in incredible condition, incredibly well-prepared. Just a slight lapse in concentration led to an injury. I wish to correct that and show what I’m about, and that’s it. I’m eager to get back, and we’ll see what the future holds after that.”
McGregor has kept himself busy in the past few years, including his role as co-owner of BKFC. However, the former UFC dual-champion admits that all distractions must be put aside if he wants to take his octagon return seriously.
“There will be a period of isolation for sure where the phone will not be answered,” McGregor said. “All my people involved with me understand it is coming. As I said, it’s a six-month operation. I’m under no illusion of what lies ahead of me in my preparation efforts. So, the phone will be switched off, and the work will be executed.”
