It appears that we are getting closer to a Conor McGregor return date.

The combat sports community may doubt this new information due to past disappointments, particularly after the original UFC 303 main event between McGregor and fan-favorite fighter Michael Chandler was scrapped. That June 29 showdown was canceled when McGregor withdrew due to a broken pinky toe.

However, new information now points to an all-but-confirmed date and location for McGregor’s highly-anticipated comeback.

McGregor Refutes Dana White’s 2024 Comments

McGregor refuted UFC CEO Dana White‘s previous claims that he wouldn’t fight in 2024. But with fresh intel from one of the most connected media members in the sport, we are inching closer to the return of the ‘Notorious’ one. The fight could happen within the next five months.

Chael Sonnen’s Inside Scoop on McGregor-Chandler Fight

Former UFC fighter turned analyst Chael Sonnen has been closely following the McGregor-Chandler saga since McGregor had to pull out of a Dublin-based press conference and eventually the fight due to a broken toe. While Sonnen has questioned McGregor’s hunger to compete, he hasn’t dismissed the possibility of the sport’s biggest draw returning to the octagon.

Many fans and media members have started to move on from McGregor’s return bout after his cancelation as UFC 303’s main event. Despite this, ‘Notorious’ has assured fans that it’s a matter of when, not if, he will return.

In a recent video on his personal YouTube channel, ‘The American Gangster’ Sonnen dropped a significant clue regarding the potentially massive fight between McGregor and Chandler:

“I think that Conor is sincere that he would like to fight at 170-pounds, T-Mobile Arena, December of 2024 opposite of Michael Chandler under the unified rules of Mixed Martial Arts. I believe him,” Sonnen said.

“I believe that an inside scoop I’m getting is that the UFC wants all of those same things—they just want it in January in California. Who you gonna believe? I’m sharing what I believe, but that sure sounds close, that sounds like we’re real close here.”

If correct, this would mean McGregor and Chandler are headlining UFC 311 at The Honda Center in Anaheim.

Dana White’s Recent Quotes Align With Sonnen’s Scoop

UFC CEO Dana White recently spoke with the media following Week 1 of the 2024 Dana White Contender Series and hinted at McGregor’s return timeline, which seems to align with Sonnen’s intel.

While Sonnen’s comments may sometimes be taken lightly due to his colorful public persona, White’s statements typically carry more weight. When considering both sources together, it gives the fighting community reason to hope for McGregor’s imminent return.

The sport’s richest athlete has financial freedom and generational wealth due to his massive fighting purses and business ventures. However, money can’t buy the glory and competitiveness that come with a training camp and a main event slot.