The excitement surrounding the return of Conor McGregor to the UFC has been building, but not everyone is convinced it will happen soon. Michael Chandler, a fellow fighter and rival, recently shared his apprehensions about McGregor’s comeback, stating that there is only a slim chance it could occur. McGregor, who hasn’t fought since 2021, remains a significant figure in mixed martial arts, and his potential return raises plenty of questions.
Chandler’s Shift in Plans
Michael Chandler has officially moved on from waiting for Conor McGregor to schedule a fight. He was originally supposed to headline UFC 303 against McGregor in July 2024. However, nine months have passed with no fight announcement from McGregor, leading Chandler to secure a match against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314, scheduled for April 12, 2024, in Miami. Chandler expressed that while he would have loved to fight McGregor, he feels it’s better to focus on his career rather than sit and wait.
The Roadblocks to McGregor’s Comeback
McGregor’s absence from the octagon has not only been due to his well-documented leg injury from a fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, but also because of his ventures outside of fighting. In recent years, McGregor has delved into business projects, including the successful sale of his whiskey brand for over $600 million. Chandler has highlighted these distractions as potential reasons why McGregor isn’t making a return anytime soon.
Chandler’s Commitment to Competing
Despite the uncertainty surrounding McGregor, Chandler remains active in the fight scene. He fought Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, unfortunately losing the match, but now he is gearing up for his next confrontation with Pimblett. Chandler stated he has no regrets about the time he spent waiting for McGregor, emphasizing that he intends to keep competing regardless of McGregor’s choices.
Future Speculations
While Dana White, the UFC president, hints that McGregor may return in fall 2024, many, including Chandler, are skeptical. Chandler mentioned, “As much as I want to compete with Conor, I can’t sit around waiting for that to happen.” If McGregor does decide to return, Chandler clearly hopes to be in line for that fight, though he acknowledges it isn’t something he can rely on. Their rivalry intensified during their coaching roles on the recently concluded season of The Ultimate Fighter, suggesting that there is still a lot of competitive tension between the two.
Looking Ahead
Fans are left wondering when—or if—Conor McGregor will make his comeback. Chandler’s willingness to face off against him is apparent, and there is still plenty of intrigue in the story of these two fighters. However, for now, Chandler is set to fight Pimblett, and McGregor’s return remains a mystery shrouded in uncertainty. It looks like both athletes have their own paths to navigate as the UFC evolves.
Key Facts About McGregor’s Situation
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Last Fight | July 2021 |
| Injury | Leg Injury from Dustin Poirier Fight |
| Current Projects | Business Ventures, Including Whiskey Brand |
| Chandler’s Current Fight | Against Paddy Pimblett on April 12, 2024 |
| Chandler’s Comments on McGregor | “Slim Chance of Return” |
The future of Conor McGregor in the UFC is still a thrilling unknown, but what is certain is that fans will continue to speculate and hope for an epic return, no matter how slim the chances may be.
