Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon won’t come in 2024 according to UFC CEO & President Dana White.
We talked and he wants to fight…we’ll figure it out. Not this year. He won’t fight this year.
Dana White on Conor McGregor
The famed Irish MMA fighter last stepped into the UFC octagon on July 10, 2021. Facing off against Dustin Poirier for the third time, the fight ended in a first-round TKO loss for McGregor due to a broken leg. This injury has kept the former champion sidelined since, with his return to the UFC still uncertain.
The highly anticipated UFC return for Conor McGregor was going to be a bout against Michael Chandler, but that has been put on hold. Originally the fight was scheduled for UFC 303 in late June 2023, it was canceled due to a broken pinky toe injury suffered by McGregor during training. It was hoped that a rematch could happen at some point this year, but White has shot that down.
Both fighters served as coaches on Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, building anticipation for their clash. However, fans will have to wait for the rescheduled bout as McGregor recovers from his injury.
McGregor, at least publically, posted from his X account saying that he wants a fight against Chandler in December.
Ah Dana, December is the date,” he wrote. “Bring the calendar year home with a winning event! Come on now, what’s this? I am off to altitude next month to prepare. December! Tell Dana and UFC we want December! We deserve December!
Conor McGregor via X.
That post has since been deleted, however.
Conor McGregor’s Polarizing Career
Conor McGregor, the flamboyant Irish mixed martial artist, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the UFC. With his charismatic personality, striking prowess, and trash-talking abilities, he catapulted himself to global stardom. However, his career trajectory has been as tumultuous as it has been successful.
Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, McGregor burst onto the UFC scene with an aura of invincibility. His knockout victories over Marcus Brimage and Max Holloway propelled him into the limelight, showcasing his explosive striking and unparalleled confidence. The featherweight division was put on notice as “The Notorious” quickly climbed the ranks.
McGregor’s rivalry with Jose Aldo, the long-reigning featherweight champion, captivated the MMA world. Their highly anticipated clash at UFC 194 ended in a stunning 13-second knockout for McGregor, marking one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history. The victory solidified his status as a global superstar and paved the way for unprecedented financial opportunities.
Emboldened by his success, McGregor set his sights on conquering multiple weight divisions. He moved up to lightweight and challenged Rafael dos Anjos for the title. In another dominant performance, McGregor secured a second-round knockout, becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
The UFC capitalized on McGregor’s star power by booking a mega-fight against boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. Although he ultimately lost the boxing match, the event generated unprecedented revenue and cemented McGregor’s status as a crossover athlete.
Despite his meteoric rise, McGregor has faced his share of setbacks. Losses to Nate Diaz, and Dustin Poirier, and a devastating leg injury have humbled the once-invincible champion. These defeats have sparked debates about his fighting style, conditioning, and overall approach to the sport.
McGregor’s outside-the-cage antics have also attracted controversy. Legal troubles and public altercations have overshadowed his athletic achievements at times. These distractions have undoubtedly impacted his training and preparation, contributing to his recent struggles.
Despite the challenges, McGregor remains one of the most recognizable and marketable figures in combat sports. His resilience and determination have been evident in his public statements about returning to the UFC and reclaiming his former glory.
As he continues to recover from injuries and navigate the complexities of his personal life, the MMA world eagerly awaits his comeback. Whether he can recapture his past dominance or forge a new chapter in his career remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Conor McGregor’s story is far from over.