Conor McGregor's Absence Stretches Through 2024, Confirms UFC CEO Dana White
Conor McGregor's Absence Stretches Through 2024, Confirms UFC CEO Dana White
In a definitive statement that quells months of speculation, UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that Conor McGregor will not return to the Octagon in 2024. Speaking during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, White announced that McGregor, who was initially slated to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June, will remain sidelined for the entirety of the upcoming year.
Training Injury Derails McGregor's Plans
McGregor's anticipated return to the UFC took a significant hit when the Irish fighter suffered a broken pinky toe during a rigorous training session. This injury forced him to withdraw from the highly-publicized UFC 303 matchup against Chandler. The unfortunate timing added to the continuous delays and uncertainties surrounding McGregor’s fight schedule, much to the dismay of fans and the UFC community.
The bout with Chandler was expected to reignite McGregor's floundering career, with both fighters having coached opposing teams on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter." Filming for the season began back in February 2023, raising hopes for a sooner-than-later face-off. However, despite various efforts, the much-hyped McGregor-Chandler fight was never rescheduled.
White addressed the issue by saying, "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."
A History of Setbacks
McGregor's career has been a turbulent one since he captured the imagination of fans worldwide with his meteoric rise in the UFC. Unfortunately, his record since November 2016 paints a bleak picture—1 win and 3 losses. His sole victory since 2016 came against Donald Cerrone, a performance that many hoped would mark a renaissance in his career. However, recurrent injuries, legal troubles, and intermittent retirement teases have continually derailed his path back to the top.
Speculation earlier this year suggested the possibility of a showdown with Chandler in December, but hopes were dashed when it was clarified that McGregor would not fight this year. For fans yearning to see "The Notorious" back in action, the news is undoubtedly a disappointing blow.
Michael Chandler: An Opponent in Limbo
The delays and uncertainties have not only impacted McGregor but also Michael Chandler, another UFC talent with an equally fluctuating record. Chandler's last outing in the Octagon was in November 2022, where he succumbed to a submission defeat at the hands of Dustin Poirier. Over his last four fights, Chandler also holds a 1-3 record, amplifying the stakes of a clash with McGregor.
While Chandler's career has also seen its share of ups and downs, a match against McGregor would have been a high-profile opportunity for redemption. Both fighters find themselves at a professional crossroads, yearning for a win to steer their careers back on track.
The Path Forward
As 2024 approaches, the UFC landscape will have to navigate the absence of one of its most talked-about figures. With McGregor on the sidelines, the focus will inevitably shift to other rising stars and seasoned contenders looking to make their mark. Despite his prolonged absence, McGregor's influence on the sport remains considerable, ensuring that his eventual return, whenever it may be, will attract considerable attention.
Whether this hiatus will serve as a period of recovery and rejuvenation for McGregor or further complicate his legacy remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Dana White and the UFC must now strategize the path forward in a McGregor-less 2024, while fans continue to wait for the fighter's much-anticipated return to the Octagon.
