Conor McGregor, one of the most iconic figures in mixed martial arts, will not be making his anticipated return to the Octagon in 2024, according to UFC CEO Dana White. During a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, White confirmed the news that McGregor’s much-awaited comeback has been delayed yet again.
Initially, the notorious Irishman was set to square off against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June. This highly anticipated bout was expected to be a blockbuster, given both fighters’ reputations and their roles as opposing coaches on the 31st season of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. However, a training mishap led to a broken pinky toe for McGregor, effectively sidelining the world-renowned fighter and forcing him to withdraw from the June matchup.
A Series of Unfortunate Delays
Efforts were made to reschedule the clash between McGregor and Chandler, but they proved fruitless. Hopes flickered among fans and pundits alike that the fight might be rebooked for December, though such speculations were eventually quashed. McGregor’s absence from the cage continues to be a point of lingering frustration for the fighter and his legion of followers.
"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," said Dana White, addressing the uncertainty surrounding McGregor's return.
McGregor's Mixed Record and Legal Issues
McGregor’s hiatus and subsequent series of delays come against a backdrop of a by-now less than stellar record in the Octagon. Since his historic knockout victory against Eddie Alvarez in November 2016, McGregor has logged just one win — a triumph over Donald Cerrone — in the UFC. His record over the past seven years stands at 1-3.
Outside the ring, McGregor's life has been anything but tranquil. Legal issues and repeated teases of retirement have peppered his career, contributing to the air of uncertainty surrounding his future in mixed martial arts.
Chandler's Struggles
Michael Chandler, McGregor’s would-be opponent, is no stranger to challenges himself. Chandler last fought in November 2022, where he suffered a submission loss to Dustin Poirier. His recent UFC record mirrors McGregor's, standing at 1-3 over his last four fights. This parallel in their win-loss records added an additional layer of intrigue to their anticipated clash.
The buildup to the anticipated bout between McGregor and Chandler has been marred by numerous delays and ongoing uncertainties. Both fighters, renowned for their enduring spirit and combative prowess, have faced substantial setbacks, making their eventual meeting in the Octagon a subject of heightened anticipation among fans and analysts.
While the wait for McGregor’s return stretches on, the narrative surrounding his career remains compelling and multi-faceted. From life-changing victories to devastating injuries and legal entanglements, Conor McGregor's trajectory in the world of mixed martial arts continues to captivate.
For now, fans will have to content themselves with the many what-ifs and look forward to the eventual rescheduling of what promises to be an electrifying bout between two of the sport’s biggest names. Only time will tell what lies ahead for Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler.