Conor McGregor's UFC comeback expected to fill out 70,000-seat stadium, as per Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor will face Michael Chandler in his highly anticipated return to the UFC. The pair of lightweight superstars were recently announced as coaches for the 31st season of The Ultimate Fighter, which began filming several weeks ago.
McGregor and Chandler will do battle in the octagon following the season finale of the show. 'Iron' believes the fight could take place at the Allegiant Stadium, the home of NFL team the Las Vegas Raiders, which has an expandable capacity of up to 71,835 fans.
Chandler appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani several weeks ago and stated that the fight taking place at Allegiant Stadium would "make a lot of sense." Michael Chandler believes the combined starpower of himself and Conor McGregor would easily sell out the stadium:
"I have not [heard anything from the UFC about Allegiant Stadium], but man it makes a lot of sense. Conor's been talking about Croke Park in Ireland, talking about Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys Stadium. A Conor fight can fill a stadium. [But] Conor's comeback fight, against one of the most dangerous and the most exciting guy in the division, we sell the [stadium] out for sure... I might actually call [the UFC] today and be like, 'Let's start working on this Allegiant Stadium thing.'"
Watch the interview below:
Conor McGregor last competed against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, where 'The Notorious' suffered a broken leg in the first round. He completed his rehabilitation on the injury towards the end of last year and will be making his return against Michael Chandler on an undisclosed date.
Jon Jones shares his thoughts on Conor McGregor's comeback
Jon Jones will take on Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 this weekend. 'Bones' is returning after three years away from the octagon, as he took time to build up muscle to compete in the heavier weight division.
The former light heavyweight champion recently appeared in front of the media ahead of his bout. Jones shared his thoughts on the return of Conor McGregor against Michael Chandler, saying:
"[Conor] has a gigantic brand, in some senses just as big as our sport [itself]. It's gonna be great when he comes back, he's gonna bring a whole new energy. Even more fans, it's great for all of us, great for the sponsors, great for the UFC. I wish Conor all the best."
Watch the interview below: