Conor McGregor (image via UFC/Twitter)

By Kelsey Mowatt

Although Conor McGregor doesn’t expect to return to the Octagon until late summer, the former UFC champ is hoping to fight twice in 2023.

McGregor recently completed filming the 31st season of “The Ultimate Fighter”, in which he served as a coach, opposite Michael Chandler. The fighters are expected to fight in a welterweight contest later this year.

On Wednesday, McGregor appeared on “The MMA Hour”, and the controversial fighter reported that he hopes to stay busy, after he returns to the cage (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“For sure [the goal is two fights in 2023], I can see it moving pretty fast when it moves. We’re gearing up and there’s a lot going on behind the scenes and all, but I feel it will move fast. There’s no issue why it shouldn’t move fast. So I assume late summer [for Chandler], maybe a little bit later depending — I would like that. And then of course, that’s still half the year left.

“I wish for consistency. I’m working for consistency. Like I said before, I’ve had this on-off thing for a couple of years and it’s been frustrating, but be it for different reasons. But I’d like to just get past that and just get into this consistency bracket. And I feel I will, I feel I can, and I’m excited for it.”

The 34-year-old, who also announced Wednesday that he’s donated $1 million dollars to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, hasn’t competed since July, 2021. In his rubber match with Dustin Poirier, McGregor broke his leg.

The Irish fighter, who carries a MMA record of 22-6, has gone 2-3 in his last 5 fights.

The 34-year-old Chandler (23-8), meanwhile, is coming off a submission loss to Poirier in November. The former Bellator champ is also 2-3 in his last 5 bouts.