Conor McGregor's Anticipated Return Delayed Again
Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the UFC has been postponed, as confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White during a recent post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series. Fans, who had been eagerly awaiting McGregor's comeback, will now have to wait until at least 2024 to see the former champion in the Octagon.
Originally slated to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June, McGregor's return was derailed due to a training injury. The Irishman suffered a broken pinky toe, which forced him to withdraw from what was set to be a headline-grabbing bout.
McGregor and Chandler were previously engaged as opposing coaches on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. While the buildup to their fight garnered significant attention, numerous delays and uncertainties ultimately thwarted attempts to reschedule the matchup.
Speculation had been rife that McGregor might fight Chandler in December, but White put any remaining hopes to rest with his latest update. "We talked. We talked. We didn't meet up but we talked, and yeah, he wants to fight. So we'll figure it out. [But] not this year. He won't fight this year," White stated.
McGregor's recent activity in the UFC has been sparse. Since November 2016, his record stands at 1-3, with his sole victory during that period coming against Donald Cerrone. Outside the Octagon, McGregor has faced legal issues and has teased retirement multiple times, adding to the turbulence of his MMA career.
Michael Chandler, McGregor's intended opponent, has also had a challenging run in the UFC. Chandler's most recent fight was in November 2022, where he lost by submission to Dustin Poirier. Over his last four fights, Chandler's record mirrors McGregor's with one win and three losses.
The buildup to the McGregor-Chandler fight was far from smooth. Initial plans for a summer clash were disrupted by McGregor's injury, and despite numerous attempts, the fight never found a viable date for rescheduling. Fans and analysts alike questioned whether the bout would ever materialize as setback followed setback.
Given McGregor's status as one of the UFC's most lucrative and polarizing figures, his absence from the sport continues to be a pressing issue for both the organization and its fanbase. Each delay not only impacts McGregor's career trajectory but also affects the overall momentum of the sport. The former two-division champion's return is seen as a potential catalyst for bolstering the UFC's viewership and revenues.
While McGregor's next opponent remains uncertain, Dana White's comments suggest that the fighter's determination to return is undiminished. However, with a significant injury requiring time to heal and rehabilitate properly, it is crucial for McGregor to ensure he is fully prepared physically and mentally before making his comeback.
Looking at the future, UFC fans will be keeping a close eye on any updates regarding McGregor's recovery and potential fights. Whether he faces Chandler or another opponent upon his return, McGregor's comeback will undoubtedly be one of the most followed stories in MMA. As the UFC navigates this period of uncertainty, the anticipation for McGregor's return will continue to build, maintaining the spotlight on one of the most enigmatic figures in the sport's history.