Conor McGregor's much-anticipated return to the UFC has hit yet another snag. UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that the Irish fighter will not make his way back to the Octagon in 2024. This announcement comes after a series of setbacks and intense speculation surrounding McGregor’s professional future.
Behind the Scenes with Dana White
During a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, White addressed the constant buzz about McGregor’s next fight. "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 stated, putting an end to the speculation that McGregor might make a comeback in 2023.
Broken Toe Blunders
McGregor was initially slated to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June. However, a training mishap resulted in a broken pinky toe for McGregor, forcing him to pull out of the bout. The injury not only derailed the UFC 303 showdown but also set the stage for a protracted and uncertain period of recovery.
The buildup to what would have been a highly publicized fight saw the two competing as rival coaches on the 31st season of "The Ultimate Fighter," which started filming in February 2023. Despite the enthusiasm and increased visibility that came with their involvement in the series, McGregor's encounter with Chandler never got rescheduled.
A Fight Never Meant to Be?
While fans held out hope that McGregor and Chandler would clash in the Octagon before the year’s end, efforts to reschedule the fight proved futile. Despite speculation that the two might meet in December, White clarified the situation, unequivocally stating that McGregor will not be fighting this year.
A Fading Star?
For McGregor, this delay only adds to a string of professional and personal challenges. Since his victory over Eddie Alvarez in November 2016, McGregor has fought sparingly and with mixed results. His UFC record since then stands at 1-3, with his sole win coming against Donald Cerrone.
McGregor's performance inside the Octagon isn’t the only aspect of his career that has been under scrutiny. He has faced various legal troubles and repeatedly teased retirement, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning his commitment to the sport.
The Chandler Conundrum
On the other side of the equation, Michael Chandler has also experienced a turbulent time recently. His last fight in November 2022 resulted in a submission loss to Dustin Poirier. Like McGregor, Chandler’s recent UFC record is 1-3 over his last four fights, underscoring a downturn in his career trajectory.
The prolonged anticipation and numerous delays around the McGregor-Chandler matchup have only compounded the frustration for both fighters and their fanbases. What was once seen as a high-stakes encounter between two big names in the UFC has thus far failed to materialize.
While there is still keen interest from both fighters to square off eventually, the logistical and timing issues seem insurmountable at the moment. White’s latest comments suggest that it may be some time before we see McGregor back in top form, fighting under the bright lights of the UFC.
As both McGregor and Chandler navigate this uncertain period in their respective careers, the MMA world watches closely, hoping for resolutions that bring both fighters back to their prime, ready to deliver the electrifying battles fans crave.