Conor McGregor accused of trying to FORCE UFC’s hand with fight date announcement as he’s branded an ‘UNRELIABLE source’

CONOR MCGREGOR has been branded an “unreliable source” after his big UFC return announcement was shot down by the promotion.

The Irishman sensationally announced on New Year’s Eve that his long-awaited comeback clash with Michael Chandler would take place on June 29.

Conor McGregor vows to brutally leave Michael Chandler’s ‘head hanging off’ with ‘titanium shin bone’Twitter/@TheNotoriousMMA

GETTYThe Irishman’s claim was shot down by UFC president Dana White[/caption]

GETTYThe Notorious has been branded an ‘unreliable source’ by ex-UFC star Chael Sonnen[/caption]

But his social media announcement has since been refuted by UFC bigwig Dana White, a denial which has reaffirmed Chael Sonnen’s belief that you have to take everything he says with a pinch of salt.

The former UFC middle and light-heavyweight title challenger said on his YouTube channel: “I got asked about it on SportsCenter and I got brought in to report and break this news.

“And I said, ‘Guys, I’m not going to do any of these things, I’m not comfortable with it.’

“My source is Conor McGregor, that’s not a reliable source.”

Sonnen cites McGregor’s recent claims of a grudge match with Manny Pacquiao being in the works as evidence of his statement.

He said: “Four days prior to Conor telling us he was going to fight Michael Chandler on June 19 (29), T-Mobile Arena, four days prior to that, he told us he was going to box Manny Pacquiao in the Middle East.

“I’m not comfortable.”

The UFC currently don’t have a pay-per-view in the books for June 29, although SunSport understands the culmination of International Fight Week is indeed being targeted for that date.

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And Sonnen reckons the former two-division champion is trying to force UFC’s hand with the premature announcement of his clash with Chandler.

He said: “As a matter of fact, if you want to know what I think’s going on, I think Conor’s having a hard time getting this fight.

“And I think Conor has now gone to the public, stated a date that he knows is available, got Chandler to back him up

“And they’re doing this to work into this bout agreement backwards, which is fascinating.”

McGregor, 35, hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since shattering his left leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

Fan favourite Chandler – McGregor’s rival coach on season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter – was announced as the opponent for the Dubliner’s return last February.

But UFC President and CEO White cast major doubt over the fight coming to fruition last week by insisting nothing has been finalised for the Return of The Mac.

He told SportsNet: “So McGregor will be back this year – possibly him and Chandler.

“We’ll see how this whole thing plays out.”

APConor McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his leg nearly three years ago[/caption]