Conor McGregor's anticipated return to the UFC has been officially ruled out for 2024, according to UFC CEO Dana White. The announcement came during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, putting an end to months of speculation about the former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion's comeback plans.
McGregor's Injury and Uncertain Future
Originally, McGregor was slated to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June. However, a broken pinky toe suffered during a training session forced the Irish fighter to withdraw. Since then, fans and analysts alike have been eager to know when McGregor would return to the Octagon. Despite McGregor's intentions to fight, White has now clarified that "not this year. He won't fight this year."
The Ultimate Fighter Partnership
The potential McGregor-Chandler bout had its roots in their roles as opposing coaches on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. Initially, it seemed like the perfect setup for a high-stakes showdown. Yet, despite the buildup and the anticipation, the fight never came to fruition. Speculations even suggested a possible bout in December, but those hopes have now been firmly dashed.
McGregor's Rocky Road Since 2016
Since captivating the MMA world with his meteoric rise, McGregor's UFC career has hit several stumbling blocks. His record since November 2016 is a dismal 1-3. The only victory in this period came against Donald Cerrone, a fight that many critics viewed as an easy matchup for the former champion. Not helping his career trajectory, McGregor has also faced a slew of legal troubles and has teased retirement multiple times, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding his professional fighting future.
Chandler's Recent Struggles
Michael Chandler, McGregor's would-be opponent, has also faced his own set of challenges. His recent stint in the UFC has been anything but smooth, with a 1-3 record over his last four fights. Chandler last fought in November 2022, where he lost by submission to Dustin Poirier. Given this context, a matchup against McGregor could have been a rejuvenating opportunity for both fighters, reigniting their careers. Unfortunately, delays and uncertainties have marred the buildup to what could have been a thrilling contest.
Impact on the UFC Landscape
The absence of McGregor, one of the UFC's biggest draws, for another year is a significant development. "We talked. We talked. We didn't meet up but we talked, and yeah, he wants to fight. So we'll figure it out," said White. His comments indicate that while McGregor's return is on the horizon, fans will have to wait longer than expected.
What's Next?
The UFC will undoubtedly continue to evolve in McGregor's absence, but his potential return holds significant implications for matchmakers and fighters eyeing a shot at glory. With one less superstar in the mix, other fighters have a chance to capture the spotlight that McGregor has frequently dominated.
In the meantime, the focus shifts back to Chandler and his quest to rebound from recent setbacks. Without the McGregor fight to look forward to, Chandler must now look for other avenues to reestablish himself in the competitive UFC landscape.
Both McGregor and Chandler find themselves at career crossroads, and the next steps for each will be crucial in defining their legacies. For now, fans can only speculate and eagerly await future developments in one of the most unpredictable sports narratives.