The much-anticipated return of Conor McGregor to the UFC Octagon will have to wait. UFC president Dana White has confirmed that the former two-division champion will not fight in 2024, quashing rumors of a potential matchup with Michael Chandler before the year’s end. White’s comments came after the season debut of “Dana White’s Contender Series” on Tuesday, where he provided some insight into McGregor’s future.
The Long Road Back
Conor McGregor, one of the biggest stars in MMA history, has been out of action since his devastating leg injury in July 2021 during his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. The injury sidelined McGregor for an extended period, and while there has been widespread speculation about his return, it now seems that fans will have to wait even longer to see the “Notorious” back in the cage.
“We talked and he wants to fight,” White said when asked about McGregor’s plans. “We’ll figure it out. Not this year. He won’t fight this year.” White’s remarks confirm what many had feared: McGregor’s return is further off than initially hoped.
What’s Next for McGregor?
Despite the setback, White was optimistic about McGregor’s future in the UFC. The 35-year-old Irishman remains one of the most bankable stars in combat sports, and his return would undoubtedly generate significant attention and revenue for the promotion. However, the exact timeline and opponent for McGregor’s next fight remain uncertain.
Michael Chandler, a former Bellator champion who has been campaigning for a fight with McGregor, seemed to be the front-runner for the Irishman’s return bout. The two fighters were even coaches on the latest season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” building anticipation for a potential clash. But with White’s confirmation that McGregor won’t fight in 2024, Chandler may have to look elsewhere for his next opponent.
The Impact on the Lightweight Division
McGregor’s prolonged absence continues to impact the UFC’s lightweight division, which has moved on in his absence. Current champion Islam Makhachev has established himself as a dominant force, and new contenders like Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush, and Justin Gaethje have emerged.
McGregor, who once ruled the division with an iron fist, now finds himself on the outside looking in. A return in 2025 would mean a four-year gap since his last victory in the Octagon, a first-round TKO over Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in January 2020. The landscape of the lightweight division has shifted dramatically since then, and McGregor will face a challenging road back to the top.
The Wait Continues
For now, fans will have to content themselves with watching McGregor’s social media updates and the occasional interview as they wait for news of his return. The former champion has never been one to shy away from the spotlight, and his absence from the Octagon only adds to the mystique and anticipation surrounding his eventual comeback.
Dana White’s announcement that McGregor won’t fight in 2024 is undoubtedly a disappointment for those hoping to see the Irishman back in action. However, with McGregor’s determination to return and White’s confidence in his eventual comeback, it seems more a matter of when, not if, McGregor will fight again.
As the UFC moves forward, the spotlight on McGregor will remain as bright as ever. His next move, whenever it comes, will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about events in the sport. Until then, the world of MMA will be left waiting for the return of one of its biggest icons.