Conor McGregor, one of the most flamboyant and polarizing figures in mixed martial arts, will not make his anticipated return to the UFC Octagon in 2024. This confirmation comes from UFC CEO Dana White, who addressed McGregor's absence in a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series. Fans had been eagerly awaiting McGregor's return, with a highly-anticipated bout originally set against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June.
Broken Toe Derailed UFC 303 Plans
The highly-anticipated showdown between McGregor and Chandler, both icons in their own right, faced an inevitable cancellation when McGregor suffered a broken pinky toe during a training session. The injury forced the former two-division champion to withdraw from the scheduled fight, leaving his legion of fans disappointed.
The Ultimate Fighter Rivalry
Adding a layer of intrigue to the story, McGregor and Chandler served as opposing coaches on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter." Filming for the season began in February 2023, building anticipation for their eventual clash in the Octagon. Despite this setup, efforts to reschedule the fight proved futile, ultimately leaving both fighters and fans in suspense.
In recent weeks, speculation had suggested that McGregor might step back into the ring against Chandler in December. However, Dana White was quick to dispel these rumors, definitively stating that McGregor wouldn't fight this year.
A Career Marked by Highs and Lows
McGregor's UFC career since November 2016 has been a roller coaster, boasting only one victory amid a string of losses. His only win in this period came against Donald Cerrone, with his overall record standing at 1-3. Beyond the Octagon, McGregor has faced numerous legal troubles and has teased retirement on multiple occasions, adding even more unpredictability to his career trajectory.
Michael Chandler, on the other hand, last fought in November 2022, where he lost by submission to Dustin Poirier. Much like McGregor, Chandler's recent UFC record is less than stellar, also standing at 1-3 over his last four fights. This parallel struggle adds an almost poetic element to the delayed and ultimately scrapped McGregor-Chandler bout.
Uncertainty Looms
The buildup to the fight between McGregor and Chandler has been plagued by delays and uncertainties, leaving fans and analysts questioning what's next for both fighters. Dana White's recent comments underscore the ongoing uncertainty: "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 said.
The continuous delays not only affect the fighters' immediate careers but also cast a shadow over the future dynamics of the lightweight division. The absence of McGregor, a pay-per-view powerhouse, undoubtedly impacts the UFC's promotional efforts and revenue streams.
As 2024 approaches without clarity on McGregor's return, fans are left to wonder when, or if, "The Notorious" will ever recapture his prior form. McGregor built his career on his brash personality and undeniable talent, and the uncertainty surrounding his future only adds to his enigmatic legacy.
For now, the UFC and its fans must wait, hoping that McGregor's journey in the Octagon has not yet come to its final chapter. Until then, the sport continues to evolve, with or without one of its most charismatic stars.