Conor McGregor is evidently feeling some frustration over the course of his UFC comeback.
It’s been nearly three years since MMA enthusiasts last witnessed McGregor’s presence in the octagon, an event marked by his leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Following an extensive rehabilitation process, McGregor was anticipated to make his return in 2023, even partaking as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter opposite Michael Chandler, fueling speculations of a potential showdown between the two in December. However, that anticipated bout never materialized, nor did the rumors of it happening in January, nor is it slated for UFC 300. Most recently, McGregor proclaimed his intention to return during International Fight Week this June, yet UFC CEO Dana White has consistently refrained from divulging any concrete details regarding McGregor’s comeback.
In essence, it’s been a perplexing scenario where the sport’s most prominent figure expresses the desire to return, yet encounters obstacles preventing him from doing so. Speaking with The Mac Life during the premiere of his new film Road House, McGregor himself expressed a degree of frustration with the situation, noting how he’s diligently prepared for fights only to have them fall through, resulting in a waning of his enthusiasm.
“I’m wrapping up this tour, I’ve got St. Patrick’s Day festivities going, and then I’m going to get back and regroup I’m going to test myself physical-wise on the treadmill and do the round test and go about the McGregor Fast way, and get myself right back.
“I had a camp in Cannes, the south of France, I had a camp in Dubai, world champions training with me where I was hoping for a December date, then a January date, then it keeps getting pushed back, then I lose interest and stop training for a while. Not stop training, I’m always training, but stop full training and [start] drinking a little bit. So I’m going to go back, regroup, get full tested, and get ready to rock. The date’s going to come and then I’ll be ready to rock.”
With International Fight Week scheduled for June 29 in Las Vegas, McGregor could still adhere to his previously mentioned timeline. However, Dana White opines that a return in the fall seems more plausible. Nonetheless, when McGregor eventually does make his comeback, it appears that Michael Chandler remains the likely opponent, as the former Bellator lightweight champion patiently bides his time, awaiting his shot at McGregor.
