The anticipation for Conor McGregor's return to the Octagon has hit another roadblock. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that McGregor will not be fighting at any point in 2024, putting to rest any lingering hopes of seeing the former champion back in action this year.
During a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, White delivered the news that many fight fans had dreaded. "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 unequivocally.
Broken Toe Sidelines McGregor
Initially, McGregor was scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June. This matchup was highly anticipated, not only because of McGregor’s star power but also because both fighters had a lot riding on the bout. Unfortunately, McGregor suffered a broken pinky toe during a training session, an injury that forced him to pull out of the UFC 303 fight. Despite efforts to reschedule the bout, complications and delays have persistently thwarted these plans.
McGregor vs. Chandler: A Fight That Never Was
The fight with Chandler had the potential to be a milestone event. The two fighters were opposing coaches on the thirty-first season of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. Their rivalry fueled speculation and excitement among fans, with many eagerly awaiting the clash in the Octagon. Despite these intense expectations, logistical issues and McGregor's injury prevented the fight from materializing.
There was a moment when speculation suggested a potential December showdown between McGregor and Chandler. However, Dana White's recent comments have solidified that McGregor will not fight this year.
Struggles Since 2016
McGregor's struggles in the UFC have been starkly evident. Since November 2016, his UFC record stands at 1-3. His only victory came against Donald Cerrone, a performance that temporarily rekindled fans' hopes for a McGregor resurgence. Nevertheless, legal troubles and multiple teases of retirement have overshadowed McGregor’s career in recent years. This latest setback only adds to the series of misfortunes that have plagued him.
Chandler's Recent Struggles
Michael Chandler, on the other hand, has had his own difficulties in the UFC. Chandler last fought in November 2022, suffering a submission loss to Dustin Poirier. The defeat brought his record to 1-3 over his last four fights, mirroring McGregor's form. This parallel in their recent careers made their proposed fight even more intriguing, pitting two fighters needing a significant win against each other.
The Road Ahead
The buildup to the McGregor-Chandler fight has been fraught with delays and uncertainties, rendering it one of the most elusive matchups in recent UFC history. For now, fans can only speculate about McGregor's return and what the future holds for the former two-division champion.
For Michael Chandler, the focus will inevitably shift to his next opponent and how he can regain his footing in the UFC. The mutual absence of a definitive bout against McGregor leaves a gap in his career narrative that he will be keen to fill with other opportunities.
As the UFC community processes this latest development, one thing is clear: the Octagon will have to wait a little longer for Conor McGregor's return, and until then, the sport will continue to evolve, with or without its most polarizing star.