Conor McGregor, the former UFC double champion, will not be returning to the Octagon in 2024, as confirmed by UFC President Dana White. Speaking at a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, White put to rest any lingering hopes that the Irish superstar might make a comeback soon.
Injury and Cancelled Fight
Originally slated to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June, McGregor's return to the cage was eagerly awaited by fans and pundits alike. However, a freak accident during a training session resulted in McGregor suffering a broken pinky toe, forcing him to withdraw from the highly anticipated bout. Despite extensive efforts to reschedule, the McGregor-Chandler showdown remained in limbo and was ultimately never rearranged.
Adding to the intrigue, McGregor and Chandler served as opposing coaches on the 31st season of "The Ultimate Fighter," with filming commencing in February 2023. This heighted expectations for a clash between the two, who had spent months stoking the flames of their rivalry. Nevertheless, the fight that fans craved did not materialize.
Speculation and Confirmation
As the year progressed, whispers of a potential McGregor return in December began to circulate. Yet, these rumors were swiftly quashed when White delivered a definitive 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 clarified.
McGregor's Rocky Return
McGregor's career has been turbulent since his historic win over Eddie Alvarez in November 2016, which saw him become the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously. Since then, his UFC record stands at 1-3. His sole victory came against Donald Cerrone, while defeats to formidable opponents have overshadowed his once-dominant aura.
Adding to his string of physical adversities are McGregor's legal woes and his infamous declarations of retirement, which have cast a shadow over his promising yet erratic career. These off-the-cage issues have only amplified the uncertainty surrounding his future in MMA.
Chandler's Recent Record
Michael Chandler, who remains at the pinnacle of lightweight contention, last competed in November 2022. He succumbed to a submission defeat at the hands of Dustin Poirier, a bout that added another loss to his recent record. Like McGregor, Chandler has faced a challenging period, also holding a 1-3 record over his past four fights.
The Road Ahead
The narrative surrounding a possible McGregor-Chandler fight has been fraught with delays and uncertainties. As both fighters grapple with form and fitness issues, fans are left to wonder when, or if, this potential blockbuster matchup will ever come to fruition.
As the new year approaches, the future of one of MMA's most enigmatic figures remains up in the air. While McGregor's absence from the Octagon stretches on, the UFC continues to move forward, adapting to its ever-evolving landscape. For now, the tantalizing prospect of McGregor's return remains just that—a prospect.