Conor McGregor announces three-fight plan including UFC return and bout with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao
Conor McGregor wants to fight three times in 2024, including in the boxing ring against Manny Pacquiao.
The UFC superstar hasn't fought since breaking his leg in a trilogy defeat with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
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Fans have been waiting for several months for the return of McGregor, who has yet to officially secure a comeback date despite a lengthy hiatus.
However, the Irishman is expected to return against Michael Chandler, after competing against his lightweight counterpart in the latest series of The Ultimate Fighter.
And McGregor has revealed that he is eyeing a three-fight year which includes a potential return on International Fight Week.
"I wish for this on Mexican Independence Day in the sphere," he wrote on Instagram. "Chandler June. [Nate] Diaz September. I have let this be known.
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"Still holding hope for June 29. Lack of action on it, however, is now causing lack of enthusiasm.
"I need a decision soon. I am the most tested athlete under this new regime. Yet no date to fight."
The Irishman was then asked about a squared circle duel with Pacquiao, to which he replied: "It's still there. Could be December. The Saudi's are game changers in the market 100 per cent."
McGregor's interest in a boxing fight will not be a surprise, given his previous mega-money showdown with Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
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Pacquiao has become somewhat of a rival with the former UFC champion, as the Filipino was involved in a legal battle with McGregor's management label Paradigm Sports.
The emergence of Saudi Arabia's huge funding to the boxing market, will likely provide a big opportunity to bring both fighters to the negotiating table.
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Pacquiao himself has stated his plans to return in a professional capacity, despite retiring after defeat to Yordenis Ugas in 2021.
Rumours are circulating that he could face British star Conor Benn in a return fight, after his trainer Freddie Roach insisted he had officially come out of retirement.
He also previously announced his intentions to rematch Floyd Mayweather, with Japanese promotion RIZIN seemingly making an attempt to stage the event.
Any blockbuster event against McGregor could indeed take place at the back end of next year, providing he is released from his existing UFC deal to take the fight.
McGregor's first priority is a UFC return, which he appears to be agitated regarding on social media.
A trilogy bout with Diaz has long been the intention of UFC president Dana White to make, but McGregor's rival is not currently signed on the roster.
Fans will be beginning to question if McGregor will return at all after the lengthy delay, but it is clear from his social media activity that the desire to compete is still burning.
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