In an unexpected turn of events, Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the UFC Octagon will not happen in 2024, according to UFC CEO Dana White. The announcement came during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, squashing any lingering hopes that fans might have had for a year-end comeback.
A Glimmer of Hope Extinguished
McGregor, a former two-division champion and one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, was initially slated to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June. However, a broken pinky toe sustained during a training session forced McGregor to withdraw from the fight, putting his comeback on ice. Despite intensive efforts to reschedule the bout, logistics and further setbacks ultimately led to its collapse.
"We talked. We talked. We didn't meet up but we talked, and yeah, he wants to fight. So we'll figure it out. [But] not this year. He won't fight this year," Dana White said, confirming McGregor's extended absence. Speculation had swirled about a potential December showdown, but White's statement put an end to such rumors.
Chandler and McGregor: The Build-Up
The McGregor versus Chandler fight had significant buzz around it for good reason. Both fighters were coaches on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. The reality TV show brought additional drama, excitement, and anticipation for their eventual clash in the Octagon. However, as weeks turned into months, the fight seemed to drift further into the realm of uncertainty.
Challenging Times for McGregor
Since his iconic double-title win in November 2016, McGregor's UFC journey has been tumultuous. His record stands at 1-3, with his sole victory during this period coming against Donald Cerrone. Besides the physical challenges, McGregor has also faced legal troubles and has teased retirement multiple times. These factors have painted a complex picture of a fighter trying to regain his former glory while battling personal and professional adversities.
Michael Chandler's Struggles Continue
While McGregor's struggles have been well-documented, Michael Chandler's recent UFC record reveals its own set of challenges. Chandler last entered the Octagon in November 2022, where he succumbed to a submission defeat by Dustin Poirier. Over his last four fights, Chandler's record mirrors McGregor's at 1-3, adding an extra layer of significance to their would-be matchup.
What Lies Ahead
As it stands, the buildup to the McGregor-Chandler fight has been marred by delays and uncertainties. Yet, the possibility of this bout eventually coming to fruition keeps the MMA community buzzing. For now, fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for both fighters.
Though he remains one of the sport's most polarizing and compelling figures, McGregor's path forward continues to be rife with hurdles. Dana White's confirmation that McGregor won't compete in 2024 underscores the unpredictable nature of the sport and the challenges of orchestrating high-stakes matchups. As both McGregor and Chandler navigate their respective paths, the MMA world watches closely, waiting for the tides to turn.