Conor McGregor’s much-anticipated return to the UFC won’t be happening in 2024 as originally hoped. After suffering an injury that derailed his plans to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June, McGregor set his sights on a return before the year’s end. However, UFC CEO Dana White has been quick to dismiss McGregor’s claims of fighting in December, instead expressing confidence in a potential early 2025 comeback.
It has been over a year since McGregor last stepped into the Octagon, with his last fight resulting in a leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. Since then, McGregor has kept busy with various ventures, including a role in the 2024 film “Road House” and involvement with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. However, his absence from fighting, the very thing that catapulted him to stardom, has been notable.
White acknowledges that McGregor’s extended time away from the sport, coupled with his financial success, raises questions about the fighter’s hunger and desire to compete. McGregor’s wealth, earned through high-profile fights like his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, has solidified his status as one of the world’s highest-paid athletes. Despite this, White remains hopeful that McGregor’s passion for fighting has not diminished during his hiatus.
While McGregor has been vocal about wanting to fight in December, White’s projection of an early 2025 return may come as a disappointment to the Irishman. McGregor’s pleas for a year-end fight at UFC 310 in Las Vegas were met with White’s confident declaration of a later comeback date. This discrepancy in timelines has left fans and McGregor himself wondering when exactly the former champion will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon.
Conor McGregor’s UFC comeback remains uncertain as conflicting timelines and statements from UFC officials continue to swirl. McGregor’s desire to return to fighting, coupled with his success outside of the Octagon, presents a compelling narrative for his eventual comeback. However, only time will tell when McGregor will make his highly-anticipated return to the sport that made him a household name.
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