McGregor's Frustration with UFC Amidst Comeback Delays
The former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has publicly expressed his discontent with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) organization. McGregor, who has been sidelined since July 2021 due to a leg injury sustained in a bout, is eager to return to the octagon but feels obstructed by what he perceives as unfair treatment from the UFC.
Despite his readiness to fight, McGregor’s comeback was further postponed because he had not re-entered the drug-testing pool—a prerequisite for competing. It wasn't until October that McGregor complied with the drug-testing protocol, setting the stage for his eligibility to compete again on April 8, 2024.
While McGregor’s coach has hinted at a potential return in the summer, the fighter himself is growing increasingly impatient. He believes that no other fighter has ever been treated in such a manner considering the significant revenue and attention he has brought to the sport.
UFC President Dana White, known for his candid updates on fighter statuses, has remained tight-lipped regarding McGregor’s situation. When probed about McGregor's return or the potential matchup between Michael Chandler and Nate Diaz, White admitted to having "got nothing on either one of those guys right now."
McGregor's Legal Dispute and Challenge to Pacquiao
Outside the UFC, McGregor has been embroiled in a legal dispute with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. McGregor claims that Pacquiao owes him eight million dollars over a legal matter, though details of the dispute have not been disclosed. In light of this, McGregor has issued a challenge to Pacquiao for a boxing match in Saudi Arabia.
McGregor, never shy to stir controversy, has suggested that Pacquiao should move up to a higher weight class if the boxing match were to materialize, insinuating that doing otherwise would be cowardly. "Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class," McGregor stated, pushing the narrative that it would be equitable since boxing is Pacquiao's domain.
Moreover, McGregor has provocatively proposed that if Pacquiao expects him to drop to a lower weight class, then it would only be fair for McGregor to utilize a more diverse set of combat techniques, including kicks and grappling, which are not permitted in traditional boxing.
McGregor's Recent Fight Record
Since 2016, McGregor's appearances in the UFC have been sparse, with only four fights to his name during this period. His record includes a swift victory against Donald Cerrone but also back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier and a submission defeat to Khabib Nurmagomedov. These setbacks have done little to diminish McGregor's confidence or his penchant for the spotlight.
As the MMA community eagerly awaits McGregor's next move, his recent statements reflect a man desperate to reclaim his position at the pinnacle of the sport. The fighter's dissatisfaction with the UFC seems to stem from his prolonged inactivity, which he equates to being kept from his livelihood for almost three years. "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," McGregor lamented.
With the UFC remaining silent on his return and McGregor's ambitions extending into the boxing realm, the future for 'The Notorious' remains uncertain. Fans and pundits alike are left to speculate on when and where McGregor will next showcase his fighting prowess, whether it be within the confines of the UFC's octagon or the squared circle of the boxing ring.
What is clear, however, is that Conor McGregor remains one of the most polarizing figures in combat sports, capable of drawing attention and headlines with every word and action. As the saga unfolds, all eyes will be on how the UFC responds to McGregor's grievances and whether the fiery Irishman can negotiate his way back to competition and potentially, to the glory he once held.