It seems like the much-anticipated return of Conor McGregor to the UFC won’t be happening in 2024 after all. McGregor suffered an injury that forced him out of his scheduled fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June. Despite his initial hopes of fighting before the end of the year, UFC CEO Dana White has consistently refuted McGregor’s claims that he would make a comeback in December.
In an interview with the New York Post prior to Noche UFC, White expressed optimism that McGregor would be back in action early next year. He stated, “Let me tell you this, I was the one this year saying I don’t think he’s going to fight this year, amid all the talk and everything else. Conor McGregor will fight next year, early 2025.”
McGregor has been out of action since July 2021 when he suffered a leg injury in his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. During this time, McGregor has kept himself busy with various extracurricular activities, including starring in a film remake and taking on roles at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. However, the one thing missing from his schedule has been what initially propelled him to fame – fighting in the Octagon.
White raised concerns about McGregor’s hunger and motivation after such a long break from the sport. McGregor’s financial success, including earning over $100 million in a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, has left some questioning whether his desire to compete is still as strong as it once was. White acknowledged McGregor’s impact on the sport, especially in Europe, but emphasized the importance of McGregor’s return to the UFC.
Despite McGregor’s campaign to return in December, White’s announcement of an early 2025 comeback may not sit well with the Irish fighter. McGregor had openly expressed his desire to fight in December, even going as far as to delete a post where he urged Dana White and the UFC to schedule a fight for him in December at UFC 310. McGregor’s frustration with the decision to delay his return is evident in his passionate plea for a December fight.
McGregor’s return to the UFC remains uncertain as we approach the end of 2024. While fans eagerly await his comeback, questions surrounding his motivation, hunger, and readiness to compete once again linger. Only time will tell if McGregor will make a triumphant return to the Octagon in early 2025 as predicted by Dana White, or if we will have to wait even longer to see the notorious Irish fighter back in action.
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