UFC fans awaiting Conor McGregor's return to the Octagon will need to wait a bit longer. During a recent post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the Irish fighter will not be making his highly anticipated return in 2024.
McGregor's absence is a significant disappointment for fans who were eager to see him back in action, especially after rumors and speculations suggested that he might fight Michael Chandler in December. White put these rumors to rest, stating, "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."
The McGregor-Chandler Saga
Originally, McGregor was slated to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June. This bout was much anticipated, as McGregor and Chandler had built up a heated rivalry while serving as opposing coaches on the 31st season of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. However, McGregor's plans were derailed due to an unfortunate injury.
During a training session, McGregor suffered a broken pinky toe, which forced him to pull out of the scheduled fight with Chandler. Since then, efforts to reschedule the bout have been fruitless, with multiple delays and uncertainties surrounding the potential match-up.
Uncertain Future
McGregor's UFC career has been a tumultuous one, especially in recent years. Since November 2016, his record stands at 1-3, with his only victory coming against Donald Cerrone. In addition to his struggles inside the Octagon, McGregor has faced numerous legal issues and has teased retirement multiple times, adding to the uncertainty of his career trajectory.
Chandler, on the other hand, has also faced his own set of challenges. His most recent fight was in November 2022, where he lost by submission to Dustin Poirier. Like McGregor, Chandler's recent UFC record is 1-3 over his last four fights, making the proposed McGregor-Chandler bout a clash between two fighters looking to reclaim their former glory.
A Waiting Game for Fans
The buildup to the McGregor-Chandler fight has been marked by delays and speculation, leaving fans in a state of limbo. The anticipation for McGregor's return has been palpable, but White's recent statement has shifted expectations once again. The UFC CEO's comments make it clear that while McGregor is keen to return to fighting, it won't be happening in 2024.
The prospect of McGregor stepping back into the Octagon is always a headline-grabber, given his larger-than-life persona and significant influence in the sport. However, the extended wait continues, leaving fans and the UFC to ponder what 2025 may hold for "The Notorious" Conor McGregor.
For now, the focus shifts back to the ongoing UFC events and the fighters currently active in the promotion. As always, the world of mixed martial arts is filled with uncertainty and anticipation, making each announcement from the UFC one to watch closely.
While McGregor's future remains unclear, one thing is certain: whenever he decides to make his return, the entire MMA world will be watching.