Conor McGregor, one of the most iconic figures in mixed martial arts, will not make his anticipated return to the Octagon in 2024. This news was confirmed by UFC President Dana White during a recent post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series.
A Broken Comeback Plan
Fans were eagerly waiting for McGregor's matchup against Michael Chandler, initially set for UFC 303 in late June. Unfortunately, training mishaps can happen to the best of fighters. McGregor faced a significant setback when he suffered a broken pinky toe during a training session, an injury that forced him to withdraw from the fight. Though there were hopes the fight would be rescheduled, those plans never materialized, leaving followers of both fighters disappointed.
From Coaching to Speculation
Earlier this year, McGregor and Chandler were in the spotlight as opposing coaches on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. The pairing heightened excitement for their eventual showdown. Despite multiple efforts to lock down a date, speculation about a December fight between McGregor and Chandler was also quashed. Dana White confirmed that McGregor would not be stepping into the ring this year, simply stating, "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."
The Recent Track Records
The recent performances of both fighters add layers to the narrative. Since November 2016, McGregor's UFC record stands at a less-than-stellar 1-3. His only victory in this period came against Donald Cerrone, casting a shadow over his once-dominant presence in the UFC. On the other hand, Michael Chandler hasn't fared much better. Chandler last competed in November 2022, where he lost by submission to Dustin Poirier. His recent UFC record mirrors McGregor's, also standing at 1-3 in his last four fights.
Uncertainties and Future Prospects
While McGregor’s UFC future has always been a topic of intense scrutiny, these recent developments further muddy the waters. Alongside his mixed fight results, McGregor has been dealing with assorted legal troubles and has even teased retirement on multiple occasions. All these factors contribute to an air of uncertainty surrounding his next steps in the sport.
The mixed martial arts community remains divided on what to expect from McGregor going forward. Some believe he has the tenacity to mount another comeback, while others think his best days might be behind him. As for Chandler, the much-awaited fight against McGregor is still seen as a pivotal opportunity to solidify his standing in the UFC.
Until further updates emerge from either camp, fans and analysts alike are left to speculate. One thing is certain, though: the world of MMA never falls short of drama and unexpected twists, and the saga of Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler is far from over.