Conor McGregor's Return Delayed Until 2024
UFC fans anticipating Conor McGregor's electrifying return to the Octagon will have to wait a bit longer. UFC CEO Dana White recently confirmed that the former UFC champion will not be competing in 2024. This announcement came during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, putting an end to months of speculation about McGregor's comeback plans.
McGregor, who was set to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June, suffered a setback when he broke his pinky toe during a training session. The injury forced him to withdraw from the anticipated matchup, leaving fans and analysts alike disappointed.
The bout between McGregor and Chandler had been eagerly anticipated ever since the two were named opposing coaches for season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. The clash of personalities and fighting styles promised fireworks, but unfortunately, the fight was never rescheduled.
There was some speculation that McGregor might return to face Chandler in December 2023, but Dana White clarified, "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."
McGregor's hiatus from the Octagon extends a difficult period for the fighter. Since November 2016, his UFC record has been less than impressive, standing at 1-3. His only win during this period came against Donald Cerrone. Besides his struggles inside the cage, McGregor has faced legal troubles and has teased retirement multiple times, adding to the uncertainty around his future in the sport.
Michael Chandler, too, has hit a rough patch in his recent UFC career. His last fight was in November 2022, where he lost by submission to Dustin Poirier. Like McGregor, Chandler's recent record stands at 1-3 over his last four fights, highlighting the stakes both fighters face in re-establishing their dominance in the highly competitive UFC landscape.
The buildup to the McGregor-Chandler fight experienced multiple delays and uncertainties, casting a shadow over what was once one of the most highly anticipated bouts of the year. While the exact timeline for McGregor's return remains uncertain, fans can only hope that 2024 will finally witness the long-awaited showdown between these two formidable fighters.
As the UFC navigates the complexities of fighter injuries, scheduling, and external challenges, the organization remains hopeful that McGregor's return will inject a new wave of excitement and intensity into the sport. Until then, the world watches and waits for "The Notorious" to once again step into the spotlight.