McGregor's Comeback Trail Marred by Frustrations
Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor has voiced his discontent with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), expressing a sense of unfair treatment and a desire for clarity regarding his return to the octagon. The former two-division champion has been sidelined since July 2021 following a severe leg injury, which has kept him out of active competition and away from his livelihood.
The much-anticipated comeback of McGregor has seen further delays beyond his recovery period due to administrative hurdles. Specifically, his re-entry into the sport was postponed because he did not re-enter the drug-testing pool in time. Fighters must be enrolled in the testing pool for a set duration before they are eligible to compete under the UFC's anti-doping policy. McGregor completed this requirement in October, setting the stage for his potential return to competition on April 8, 2024.
Despite this clear pathway back to fighting, McGregor's coach has hinted at a summer return, suggesting that the Irishman may take additional time to prepare for his next bout. This aligns with McGregor's own sentiments, as he has openly expressed his eagerness to secure a fight date. "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 lamented, highlighting his significant draw and contribution to the sport's revenue.
"I've been kept from my living for almost three years now," McGregor stated, underscoring the impact of his absence from fighting on his career and personal life. "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."
White and Chandler Look Elsewhere
While McGregor awaits his return, UFC President Dana White has remained tight-lipped, offering no updates on when fans can expect to see the fighter back in action. "Got nothing on either one of those guys right now," White said, referring to McGregor and potential opponents.
Meanwhile, Michael Chandler, another top lightweight contender, seems to have shifted his focus away from a potential matchup with McGregor. Instead, Chandler is reportedly seeking a fight with Nate Diaz, another popular figure within the MMA community. This pivot away from McGregor could be indicative of the uncertainty surrounding the Irishman's return timeline.
McGregor's Boxing Ambitions
Amidst the ambiguity of his UFC future, McGregor has cast his gaze towards the boxing ring, challenging Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao to a bout in Saudi Arabia. McGregor's callout comes with an added layer of complexity, as he claims Pacquiao owes him eight million dollars over a legal dispute. This financial contention adds fuel to the fire of their proposed encounter.
McGregor, known for his bravado and psychological warfare, has taken a confrontational stance in negotiating the terms of the potential fight. "How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi," McGregor proposed, before questioning Pacquiao's willingness to meet 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?"
He continued to challenge Pacquiao, pushing for concessions that would favor him if the fight were to materialize. "Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class," McGregor demanded. He further argued for allowances that would enable him to utilize a broader range of combat techniques: "Why not? It's his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight, I should be able to use more of my weapons. I should be able to kick. I should be able to grapple. Shouldn't that be fair?"
A Career Overview
Since 2016, McGregor's appearances in the UFC have been sparse; he has competed only four times. His record during this period includes a swift victory over Donald Cerrone and losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier—twice. Each of these bouts has been significant, contributing to the narrative of McGregor's storied career.
As the MMA world watches and waits, the question remains: when will Conor McGregor make his grand return, and in what arena will we see him next? Whether it's the familiar confines of the UFC octagon or the squared