Conor McGregor fans hoping for a return to the Octagon in 2024 will be disappointed as UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that the former two-division champion will not be fighting this year. McGregor's absence was officially addressed by White during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, clearing months of speculation regarding McGregor's future fights.
Initial Plans and Setbacks
Originally, McGregor was slated to square off against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June. The bout was highly anticipated, particularly because the pair had served as opposing coaches on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter," a season that began filming in February 2023. However, fate had other plans.
During a training session, McGregor suffered a broken pinky toe, an injury significant enough to force him out of the UFC 303 fight. As White stated, "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."
Delays and Uncertainties
The anticipated fight between McGregor and Chandler faced multiple delays and uncertainties. Initial hopes were high that the bout could be rescheduled. Speculation even suggested a possible showdown in December. Despite these efforts, it has now been clarified that McGregor will not return to the Octagon this year.
McGregor’s Recent Record and Challenges
Since his victorious bout against Eddie Alvarez in November 2016, which earned him the UFC Lightweight Championship, McGregor's record has seen more lows than highs. He has accumulated a record of 1-3, with his sole victory in this period coming against Donald Cerrone. In addition to his fluctuating athletic performance, McGregor has faced legal troubles and has teased retirement on multiple occasions, adding further layers of uncertainty to his fighting future.
Chandler's Recent Performance
Meanwhile, Michael Chandler last competed in November 2022, where he lost by submission to Dustin Poirier. Over his last four fights, Chandler's UFC record mirrors that of McGregor's at 1-3. Despite the losses, Chandler's competitive spirit remains high, and he continues to be a formidable presence in the lightweight division.
The buildup to the McGregor-Chandler bout, laden with delays, speculation, and unresolved issues, has now come to a pause. Fans, fighters, and UFC staff alike will have to wait longer to see if this matchup will ever materialize.
In the world of combat sports, where narratives change with every punch and injury, one thing remains clear: both McGregor and Chandler are itching to return to the Octagon. However, it seems that fight fans will have to exercise patience as the next chapter in this saga is postponed to an indeterminate future.