Conor McGregor's Absence from the Octagon Extended to 2024
Fans eagerly waiting for Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC Octagon will have to hold their breath a bit longer. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series that McGregor will not be making his much-anticipated comeback in 2024.
“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, putting an end to the ongoing speculation about McGregor's re-entry into the fighting arena.
The news comes after months of uncertainty and several delays surrounding McGregor’s proposed match against Michael Chandler. Initially set for UFC 303 in late June, the fight was called off due to an unfortunate turn of events that saw McGregor suffer a broken pinky toe during a training session. The injury forced the former two-weight world champion to pull out of the headlining fight, leaving fans and analysts alike in a state of limbo.
McGregor and Chandler have a shared history as they were opposing coaches on season 31 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” which began filming in February 2023. The tensions and build-up between the two fighters were expected to culminate in one of the year's most thrilling encounters. Despite concerted efforts by the UFC, the fight between the two heavyweights failed to materialize.
As the months rolled on, speculation remained rife that McGregor and Chandler might touch gloves before year's end, potentially in December. However, White's recent clarification has dispelled these rumors, confirming that fans will not see McGregor return to the Octagon in 2024.
A Rocky Road for McGregor
Since November 2016, McGregor has faced turbulent times inside the UFC. His record stands at a less-than-stellar 1-3, with his only victory since 2016 coming against Donald Cerrone. McGregor’s performance inside the Octagon has paralleled a series of legal troubles and multiple retirements teases, contributing to a sporadic and tumultuous career trajectory over the last few years.
Conversely, Michael Chandler’s recent track record is also far from remarkable. The former three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion fought his last bout in November 2022, succumbing to a submission defeat at the hands of Dustin Poirier. Chandler's UFC record over his last four fights mirrors McGregor’s at 1-3, leaving both fighters on similar grounds in terms of recent performance.
The Build-Up and Subsequent Disappointments
The anticipation surrounding the McGregor-Chandler fight has been a rollercoaster of emotions for MMA enthusiasts. From being pegged as coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter” to the multiple setbacks and delays, the narrative has been one of continuous build-up followed by disappointment. Each announcement and subsequent cancellation has only served to heighten expectations and increase the overall letdown.
What's Next?
With White's latest declaration, the focus now shifts to what 2024 could hold for McGregor. The fighter's legion of fans continues to hold out hope for a return to form. Meanwhile, the UFC will undoubtedly be working behind the scenes to coordinate and reschedule what could still potentially be a blockbuster matchup against Chandler. Until then, the MMA community remains on tenterhooks, anticipating any news that could signify a revival of the once-dominant McGregor.
For now, all eyes are on 2024 as the year that could witness the resurgence of one of MMA’s most polarizing figures.