Fans of Conor McGregor will have to wait longer than expected for the Irish MMA superstar's return to the UFC Octagon, as confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White. During a post-fight press conference following the latest episode of Dana White's Contender Series, White confirmed that McGregor will not be fighting in 2024.
McGregor was initially slated to face lightweight contender Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June. However, a training session mishap resulted in McGregor breaking his pinky toe, forcing him to withdraw from the anticipated fight. Despite the initial injury setback, ongoing hopes to reschedule the bout have not materialized, leaving fans in limbo.
Unfulfilled Showdown
The potential McGregor-Chandler showdown was highly anticipated, particularly given their role as opposing coaches on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter," which started filming in February 2023. The show, known for its capacity to build up rivalries and tension, only escalated expectations for a thrilling clash between the two fighters. Yet, despite numerous efforts, the combat between these two titans has never been rescheduled.
"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 stated, leaving no room for ambiguity about the delay.
Health Comes First
McGregor's withdrawal due to his broken pinky toe underscores the often unpredictable nature of combat sports injuries. The nature of the injury might seem minor, but for an athlete reliant on peak physical condition, a broken toe can be a significant obstacle. This injury follows a string of setbacks for McGregor in recent years, complicating his journey back to the Octagon.
Mixed Fortunes
McGregor's UFC tenure since November 2016 has been rocky, with a record standing at 1-3. His sole victory in this period was a swift knockout of Donald Cerrone. In contrast, McGregor has faced defeats and continuous interruptions, further intertwined with legal issues and instances where he flirted with the idea of retirement.
Chandler's Waiting Game
Michael Chandler, McGregor's planned opponent, grapples with a similar professional dilemma. Chandler last fought in November 2022, succumbing to a submission loss to Dustin Poirier. Although Chandler's UFC record mirrors McGregor's recent form at 1-3 in his last four fights, the fight against McGregor was seen as a pivotal opportunity for both fighters to redefine their current trajectory in the UFC landscape.
The buildup to the McGregor-Chandler fight has been marred by multiple delays and uncertainties. This potential bout, which promised to electrify MMA fans around the world, remains an unfulfilled chapter in UFC's storied history for now.
With McGregor's absence confirmed for 2024, the UFC community is left to ponder what the future holds for one of its most iconic and polarizing figures. Fans and analysts alike are left waiting to see when, or if, McGregor will find his way back to the Octagon, and how this prolonged hiatus might affect his legacy within the sport.