Conor McGregor's UFC Return Delayed until 2024
Conor McGregor fans will have to wait a bit longer to see their favorite mixed martial artist return to the Octagon. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that McGregor will not be fighting in 2023 during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series.
McGregor was originally slated to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June 2023. However, during a training session, McGregor suffered a broken pinky toe, forcing him to withdraw from the much-anticipated bout. Despite various efforts, the fight with Chandler has not been rescheduled.
The two fighters had already built up a competitive tension, having served as opposing coaches on the 31st season of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. Fans speculated that McGregor might make his comeback against Chandler in December. Yet, White's recent comments have dashed those hopes.
"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, putting an end to any lingering speculation about a 2023 return.
The bout between McGregor and Chandler seemed promising and ripe with intensity, yet the buildup was plagued by delays and uncertainties. These issues have left fans and analysts alike questioning the long-term future of both fighters in the sport.
The narrative around McGregor has been dominated by a mix of brief highs and significant lows. Since November 2016, McGregor's UFC record has stood at 1-3, with his lone victory coming against Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone. Outside the Octagon, McGregor has faced legal troubles and has flirted with retirement on multiple occasions, creating a cloud of unpredictability over his career. These factors combined have only added to the complexity surrounding his awaited return.
McGregor's prospective opponent, Michael Chandler, has also faced his share of challenges. Chandler last fought in November 2022, where he succumbed to a submission loss to Dustin Poirier. Over his last four fights, Chandler's record stands at 1-3, mirroring McGregor's rocky recent history in the UFC.
Both fighters, despite their recent records, remain significant draws in the MMA world. Their meeting in the Octagon would undoubtedly attract widespread attention and potentially reinvigorate their careers.
As 2024 approaches, the anticipation for McGregor’s return continues to mount. Fans will now turn their attention to how McGregor and the UFC will plan his next opponent and whether the long-awaited clash with Chandler will finally come to fruition in the new year.