McGregor's Frustration with UFC and Potential Return to the Octagon
The former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has expressed significant frustration with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) over his prolonged absence from the octagon. Having not competed since July 2021 due to a severe leg injury, McGregor's anticipated return has faced further delays, much to his chagrin.
The Irish superstar's comeback was initially stalled as he had not re-entered the drug-testing pool, a mandatory step for any fighter looking to compete under the UFC banner. However, McGregor rectified this in October, setting the stage for a possible return to competition on April 8, 2024.
Despite the clear pathway back to fighting, McGregor's coach has hinted at a potential summer return, which suggests that 'The Notorious' may be eyeing a date beyond the earliest possibility. This delay has been a source of contention for McGregor, who believes that the UFC has treated him unfairly compared to other fighters.
Dana White, the UFC President, has remained tight-lipped about the situation, providing no updates on McGregor's potential return. In the interim, fighters within the promotion are moving forward with their careers. Michael Chandler, for example, has shifted his focus to a potential bout with Nate Diaz, steering away from a matchup with McGregor.
McGregor's Boxing Ambitions and Legal Dispute with Pacquiao
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding his MMA career, McGregor has turned his attention to the boxing ring, challenging Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao to a match in Saudi Arabia. McGregor's challenge comes amidst a legal dispute where he claims Pacquiao owes him eight million dollars. The nature of the dispute remains undisclosed, but it adds another layer to the already complex narrative of McGregor's combat sports career.
McGregor's bold proposition to Pacquiao includes a stipulation regarding the weight class of their potential fight. He has publicly called out Pacquiao to "grow a set of balls" and meet him at a higher weight, arguing that since boxing is Pacquiao's sport, it would only be fair for the boxer to make concessions. McGregor also suggested that if he were to come down in weight, then the rules should allow him to utilize a wider array of martial arts techniques such as kicking and grappling, blending the lines between boxing and mixed martial arts.
A Look Back at McGregor's Recent Fight History
Conor McGregor's recent years in the fight game have seen limited activity, with only four bouts since 2016. His record in that time includes a single victory against Donald Cerrone and losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier, the latter defeating him twice. These results are a far cry from the dominant performances that once made McGregor the biggest star in the UFC, holding titles simultaneously in the featherweight and lightweight divisions.
McGregor's statements reflect a man eager to return to his profession and reignite his storied career. "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, emphasizing the financial impact he's had on the sport and his desire for a firm comeback date.
"I've been kept from my living for almost three years now," McGregor continued, highlighting the personal and professional toll of his hiatus. "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."
As the world of combat sports watches on, the question remains: when will Conor McGregor make his grand return, and in what form? Whether it's inside the UFC's octagon or a boxing ring in Saudi Arabia, McGregor's next move is eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike. With his coach suggesting a summer return and McGregor himself pushing for a resolution, the saga of one of the most polarizing figures in sports continues to unfold.