Conor McGregor will not be making a return to the Octagon in 2024. The confirmation came directly from UFC CEO Dana White during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series. This news puts an end to the anticipation of McGregor facing Michael Chandler, a bout initially scheduled for UFC 303 in late June this year. Unfortunately, a broken pinky toe suffered during a training session forced McGregor to pull out of the fight.
McGregor’s Absence and Legal Issues
Since the injury, efforts to reschedule the high-profile fight between McGregor and Chandler have been unsuccessful. Despite ongoing speculation suggesting a potential December showdown, Dana White has cleared the air, emphatically stating that McGregor will not return to the ring this year. "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.
McGregor's recent record has not been impressive, with only one win since November 2016, a victory against Donald Cerrone. Over the last few years, McGregor has faced several legal troubles and has teased retirement multiple times. These factors, combined with his recent performance, have left fans and analysts questioning whether the Irish fighter can return to his former glory.
The McGregor-Chandler Build-Up
Michael Chandler, on the other hand, has also seen a dip in his performance. His last fight was in November 2022, where he lost by submission to Dustin Poirier. Similar to McGregor, Chandler's recent UFC record stands at 1-3 over his last four fights. Both fighters were featured as opposing coaches on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. The show was supposed to heighten interest in their eventual clash, but the series of delays and uncertainties have deflated much of that excitement.
The initial buzz around the McGregor-Chandler fight was monumental. Fans and commentators alike speculated that this match could serve as a pivotal comeback for McGregor while providing Chandler an opportunity to solidify his standing within the UFC. However, the series of unfortunate events surrounding McGregor's injury have left many disheartened.
Future Prospects
With McGregor sidelined, the question now turns to what the future holds for both fighters. Dana White’s statement suggests that there are still plans to have McGregor fight again, but the timeline remains uncertain. Until then, both fighters will continue to be the subject of speculation and debate within the MMA community. As for Chandler, his immediate fighting prospects remain unclear, but a comeback bout will likely be on the table sooner rather than later.
The road to recovery for McGregor will undoubtedly be watched closely. As one of the most polarizing figures in UFC history, his return—whenever it happens—will surely be met with extensive media coverage and fanfare. Whether he can overcome his injury and return to form remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the narrative of Conor McGregor is far from over.