McGregor's Frustration with UFC Mounts Amidst Comeback Delays
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has openly expressed his frustration with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) over what he perceives as unfair treatment in the lead-up to his potential return to the octagon. The Irish superstar, known for his brash personality and record-breaking pay-per-view draws, has been sidelined since July 2021 due to a severe leg injury sustained during a bout.
Complications have arisen not only from his recovery but also from procedural delays. McGregor's much-anticipated comeback was pushed back after he failed to re-enter the drug-testing pool in time to meet the UFC's regulatory standards. It wasn't until October that McGregor enrolled in the testing protocol, setting the stage for his eligibility to compete again on April 8, 2024.
While McGregor's coach hints at a summer return, the fighter himself is eager to solidify a date. His recent statements reflect a deep sense of exasperation with the organization that once celebrated his achievements. "Give me something. It was supposed to be April, (and before) it was supposed to be December. They never treated anyone – no one has ever been treated like this for all the figures I've brought in this game," McGregor lamented.
The strain of being away from competition weighs heavily on McGregor, who considers fighting his livelihood. "I've been kept from my living for almost three years now," he said. The lack of a definitive return date has left him feeling increasingly impatient: "This is my job. It's beyond frustrating. … I just want the date. Give me the date, please. That's it. … I'm waiting, I'm waiting and I'm waiting. My patience is wearing thin."
No Updates from White; Chandler Eyes Diaz
Adding to McGregor's vexation, UFC President Dana White has provided no fresh insights into when fans might expect the fighter's return. When probed about McGregor or the potential for a match-up with Michael Chandler, White admitted, "got nothing on either one of those guys right now." Chandler, meanwhile, appears to have shifted his focus to a different opponent, expressing interest in a fight with Nate Diaz.
McGregor Challenges Pacquiao
In the midst of uncertainty within the UFC, McGregor has cast his sights on another combat sports legend—Manny Pacquiao. McGregor challenged the Filipino boxing icon to a boxing match in Saudi Arabia, adding another layer to their tangled history. McGregor asserts that Pacquiao owes him eight million dollars stemming from a legal dispute, though details of the claim remain undisclosed.
Not one to shy away from controversy, McGregor's call-out of Pacquiao was laced with his trademark bravado. "How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi," McGregor proposed. He then questioned Pacquiao's willingness to meet him at a higher weight class, suggesting that a true competitor would accommodate such a request. "Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class," McGregor demanded, framing the challenge as a test of character.
He continued to push the envelope by questioning the fairness of the proposed boxing rules, given his mixed martial arts background. "Why not? It's his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight, I should be able to use more of my weapons. I should be able to kick. I should be able to grapple. Shouldn't that be fair?" McGregor posited, blurring the lines between the disciplines of boxing and MMA.
A Look at McGregor's Recent Fight History
Conor McGregor's presence inside the cage has been sparse in recent years, with only four appearances since 2016. His fight record during this period includes a quick victory over Donald Cerrone but is marred by defeats to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier, the latter having bested him twice. Despite these setbacks, McGregor's star power remains undiminished, and his potential return continues to generate significant interest among fight fans around the world.
As the sporting community awaits further developments, McGregor's future, both within the UFC and in other fighting endeavors, remains a hot topic of discussion. Whether he steps back into the octagon or a boxing ring, his next move is sure to capture the attention of the combat sports world.