After a long wait, November is bringing back three major fighters to the combat sports world, each of whom hasn’t fought in years. Their absences have been filled with anticipation, rumours, and delays, but we’re finally getting to see them back in action. Here’s a closer look at why we haven’t seen them in the ring or cage, and what to expect when they make their return.
3. Michael Chandler
• Date: November 16, 2024
• Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
• Start Time: 10 p.m. ET (Main Card)
• Watch: ESPN+ PPV
Michael Chandler returns after a two-year wait for a high-stakes rematch with Charles Oliveira. Their last encounter at UFC 262 in May 2021 ended in Oliveira winning by TKO. After Chandler’s much-anticipated fight with Conor McGregor fell through due to delays and McGregor’s injury, he’s set to prove himself in this UFC 309 co-main event.
Michael Chandler is a fan-favourite UFC fighter known for his intense, high-paced fighting style. Chandler last fought in November 2022 in a hard-fought bout against Dustin Poirier. Since then, he’s been gearing up for one of the biggest fights of his career—a showdown with Conor McGregor. This fight was supposed to happen earlier this year after the two coached against each other on The Ultimate Fighter. However, it’s been delayed as McGregor did not re-enter the USADA drug testing pool in time to make the original schedule.
McGregor was initially expected to rejoin USADA in early 2023, but he missed the deadline, leaving the UFC without a confirmed date for his comeback. With USADA’s six-month testing requirement and then the toe injury taking place 2 weeks before the fight, McGregor’s absence has frustrated fans and Chandler, who was prepared to face him this year.
2. Mike Tyson
• Date: November 15, 2024
• Location: AT&T Stadium, Dallas, Texas
• Start Time: 7:00 p.m. ET (Main Card), with main event at 10:00 p.m. ET
• Watch: Netflix
Boxing icon Mike Tyson returns to the ring to face Jake Paul in a spectacle of power and youth versus experience. Known as one of boxing’s greatest heavyweights, Tyson will bring his legendary prowess against Paul, a rising star who’s made significant strides from viral fame to legitimate boxing contender. It’s a showdown of two contrasting paths, promising action and excitement for fans worldwide.
The legendary Mike Tyson is once again stepping back into the ring for an exhibition fight. Tyson’s last fight was in 2020, a highly talked-about exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. that reminded fans just how much power and excitement he still brings. Tyson originally planned to return to the ring in 2021 and even entertained the idea of a trilogy bout with Evander Holyfield, but those talks fizzled out, leaving Tyson out of the ring for three years.
1. Jon Jones
Date: November 16, 2024
• Location: Madison Square Garden, New York City
• Start Time: 10 p.m. ET (Main Card)
• Watch: ESPN+ PPV
Initially scheduled for UFC 295, Jon Jones’ title defense against Stipe Miocic was postponed due to Jones’ shoulder injury. This bout, now rescheduled, is significant as both fighters may use it as a retirement match. Jones, who captured the heavyweight title by defeating Ciryl Gane in March 2023, will face Miocic in a much-anticipated battle of two legendary heavyweights.
Jon Jones’ long-awaited return has been a saga of its own. After vacating his light heavyweight title in 2020 to move up to heavyweight, Jones faced a series of delays—first, extended contract negotiations, then adapting to his new weight class, and finally, a few run-ins outside the cage. His heavyweight debut was originally targeted for 2021 but didn’t happen until March 2023, when he returned and quickly claimed the heavyweight title by defeating Ciryl Gane in impressive fashion.
In conclusion, November promises an exciting lineup for fight fans, with long-awaited returns from three iconic fighters. Michael Chandler seeks redemption against Charles Oliveira after years of delays; Mike Tyson, the legend himself, faces a new kind of challenge in the young, determined Jake Paul; and Jon Jones is finally set to clash with Stipe Miocic in what could be a career-ending bout for both. Each of these fights is steeped in history, legacy, and fierce determination, setting the stage for an unforgettable month of combat sports.
