McGregor's Frustration with UFC and Anticipated Return
The world of mixed martial arts has seen its fair share of drama, but few fighters have been at the center of as much controversy and anticipation as Conor McGregor. The former two-division UFC champion has expressed significant frustration with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), citing delays and perceived unfair treatment in the scheduling of his return to the octagon.
McGregor, who has been sidelined since July 2021 due to a leg injury sustained in a bout, has been vocal about his eagerness to resume fighting. Despite his readiness, his comeback was postponed further when he failed to enter the drug-testing pool in time, a necessary step for any fighter looking to compete under the UFC banner.
Having entered the drug-testing pool in October, McGregor is now eligible to compete again on April 8, 2024. However, his coach has hinted at a potential return during the summer, sparking speculation among fans eager to see the Irishman back in action.
Unequal Treatment Claims
The fiery competitor has not shied away from expressing his discontent, claiming that he has been treated unlike any other fighter given the substantial revenue he has generated for the organization over the years. "Give me something. It was supposed to be April, (and before) it was supposed to be December. They never treated anyone – no one has ever been treated (like this) for all the figures I've brought in this game," McGregor stated, reflecting his exasperation with the situation.
McGregor feels that his ability to earn a living has been unjustly impeded for nearly three years, a sentiment he shared with palpable irritation. "This is my job. It's beyond frustrating. … I just want the date. Give me the date, please. That's it. … I'm waiting, I'm waiting and I'm waiting. My patience is wearing thin," he remarked, emphasizing his desperation for a definitive timeline for his return.
When approached for updates on the situation, UFC President Dana White remained tight-lipped, offering no new information on the potential matchups or return dates for either McGregor or his would-be opponents.
Shifting Fight Landscape
While McGregor awaits clarity on his future within the UFC, the fight landscape continues to evolve. Michael Chandler, another top contender within the lightweight division, appears to have shifted his focus to a potential matchup with Nate Diaz, leaving McGregor's immediate prospects within the UFC uncertain.
Boxing Ambitions and Legal Disputes
Amidst the uncertainty in his MMA career, McGregor has reignited interest in his boxing pursuits. He recently issued a challenge to boxing legend Manny Pacquiao for a match in Saudi Arabia. This callout comes intertwined with a legal dispute, where McGregor claims Pacquiao owes him eight million dollars.
McGregor's challenge to Pacquiao was laced with bravado, suggesting that the Filipino boxer should move up in weight to meet him, arguing that it would be the honorable thing to do since boxing is Pacquiao's domain. "How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi," McGregor proposed, questioning Pacquiao's willingness to fight at a higher weight class. "How does that sound? Now, wouldn't you think Manny should have to come up to my weight? Considering it's his sport. Would you think that's what a man would do versus what a mouse would do?" McGregor taunted.
He further pushed the envelope by suggesting that if Pacquiao expects him to drop down in weight, then it would only be fair for him to be allowed to utilize his full range of martial arts techniques, including kicking and grappling. This rhetoric reflects McGregor's larger-than-life persona and his ability to stir interest in potential crossover fights.
Recent Fight Record
Since 2016, McGregor's appearances in the UFC have been sporadic, with only four fights to his name during this period. These outings include a victory over Donald Cerrone and losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier, the latter defeating McGregor twice. Each fight has been surrounded by significant media attention and fanfare, underscoring McGregor's status as a major draw in combat sports.
As the MMA community watches closely, Conor McGregor's next move remains a topic of intense speculation. Whether his return to the UFC will materialize as anticipated or whether he will once again cross over into the world of boxing is yet to be seen. What is certain, however, is that wherever McGregor goes, the spotlight is sure to follow.