Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the Octagon has been pushed back yet again. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that the former two-division champion will not be fighting in 2024.
The announcement came during a press conference following Dana White's Contender Series. For months, speculation swirled around McGregor's next fight, with fans eagerly awaiting his comeback. Initially, McGregor was scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June. However, those plans were derailed when McGregor suffered a broken pinky toe during a training session.
Postponed Yet Again
McGregor and Chandler had been gearing up for what was expected to be a clash of titans. Both served as opposing coaches on the 31st season of "The Ultimate Fighter," which kicked off filming in February 2023. Their coaching stint added extra layers of intrigue and hype to their prospective bout. Yet, despite exhaustive efforts to reschedule the fight, it never materialized.
Rumors hinted that McGregor might enter the Octagon by December to finally face Chandler. These speculations were put to rest by Dana White, who clarified McGregor's hiatus. "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.
A Career in Flux
Since November 2016, McGregor's UFC outings have yielded mixed results. His record since then stands at a lackluster 1-3, with his solitary victory coming against Donald Cerrone. The erstwhile champion has not only grappled with challenges inside the ring but also faced legal troubles and even teased retirement multiple times. These elements contribute to an increasingly erratic career trajectory, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning his future in the sport.
The Chandler Aspect
Meanwhile, Michael Chandler, who has his own share of ups and downs, last fought in November 2022. He lost that match by submission to Dustin Poirier, marking another setback in his career. Chandler’s recent UFC record mirrors McGregor's, also standing at 1-3 over his last four fights. For both fighters, a head-to-head encounter would have been more than just another bout; it was a potential career pivot.
Ongoing Anticipation
The anticipation around McGregor’s return and the potential fight with Chandler has only intensified due to delays and uncertainties. Both fighters have much to prove, and a showdown would not only captivate the fans but could also be pivotal for their careers. Unfortunately, with McGregor's prolonged absence, that moment remains elusive.
As McGregor continues his recovery and navigates his path back to the Octagon, the sport's landscape evolves. Fans and critics alike will keep their eyes peeled for updates, relishing the drama that McGregor invariably brings to UFC. For now, the prospect of him stepping back into the ring remains a question for the future, leaving a gap in an already eventful narrative.