Conor McGregor has returned to consistent training, showing up at the gym most mornings, according to his longtime coach John Kavanagh. The former UFC champion is reportedly preparing for a fight against Michael Chandler at the White House card scheduled in June.
“Us, on our end, we’re 100 percent in,” John Kavanagh told Ariel Helwani. “He’s asked me to basically lay out a program between now and June of how we’ll ramp up our training. He’s showing up again. He’s back in the gym most mornings, early. And he’s just having fun with it. I got a bunch of messages after [UFC 322] on Saturday night. He wants to fight everybody. But certainly, he wants to get on that [White House] card.”
McGregor’s Break From Competition
Conor McGregor has not fought since suffering a severe leg injury against Dustin Poirier in 2021. A scheduled matchup with Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in mid-2024 was canceled due to a broken toe. Afterwards, McGregor explored a potential Irish presidential run, which ultimately did not come to fruition.
Kavanagh explained that while the business side of a return is uncertain, McGregor’s focus on training is serious.
“How it works from a management point of view, I don’t really get involved in that,” he said. “But from a training point of view, he’s already tasked me with putting together a team of suitable training partners. We’ll do some of it in the gym, some of it in his house. So he’s fully locked in that we’re gonna be making the walk in six, seven months. If it’s Conor’s choice, he’s in. I don’t know how it’ll work with the UFC. I don’t know.”
Michael Chandler Remains the Opponent
John Kavanagh confirmed that Michael Chandler remains the preferred opponent.
“Chandler’s not being quiet about wanting to be that guy,” Kavanagh said. “I think the match-up makes sense. I think it’d be a fun one. I think they have a bit of a spark between them. They’ve done some stuff together before. It’d be a fun fight week, press conference, all of that. Style wise, that kinda shorter, stocky wrestler? He’s faced a few of those in his in his day.”
The matchup would also bring energy and anticipation for fight fans, as both fighters have a history that includes competitive moments and public exchanges.
Kavanagh emphasized that Conor McGregor appears to have adopted a new approach to his return.
“He had a bit of a kind of a spiritual awakening, a bit of a journey,” he explained. “And it’s a bit of a different vibe with him.”
The coach noted that McGregor’s renewed mindset is apparent in his dedication. This change in energy may be key in keeping the fighter consistent and ready for whatever arrangements the UFC or event organizers determine.
