Conor McGregor: No UFC Return in 2024
Fans of Conor McGregor will have to wait even longer to see the Irishman back in the Octagon. UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that McGregor will not be making his anticipated return in 2024. Speaking during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, White quashed any speculations regarding McGregor's comeback this year.
The combat sports world had been buzzing with anticipation for McGregor's fight against Michael Chandler, initially slated for UFC 303 in late June. However, the fight had to be scrapped after McGregor suffered a broken pinky toe during a training session. The injury sidelined what was to be one of the most eagerly awaited returns in UFC history.
McGregor and Chandler had both served as opposing coaches on the 31st season of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. The camaraderie turned rivalry between the two fighters had fans excited, but McGregor’s injury threw a wrench into those plans. "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 confirmed.
The canceled bout with Chandler is just another bump in a road that has seen McGregor experience multiple delays and uncertainties. Despite efforts to reschedule, the timing simply hasn't lined up, leaving fans to wonder when—if ever—McGregor will return to his former fighting glory.
Speculation about a December bout had been rife among fans and analysts alike, but White’s recent comments have made it clear that a return this year is off the table. This will be another long absence for McGregor, who hasn’t fought since suffering a brutal leg injury in his loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Since November 2016, McGregor's UFC record has taken a significant hit, standing at just 1-3. His sole victory was a first-round TKO victory over Donald Cerrone in January 2020. Beyond the Octagon, McGregor has faced numerous legal battles and has teased retirement multiple times, adding layers of complexity to an already tumultuous career.
On the other side, Michael Chandler has had his own share of setbacks. He last fought in November 2022, where he was defeated by Dustin Poirier via submission. Over his last four fights, Chandler’s record mirrors that of McGregor, standing at 1-3. The buildup to their proposed fight has been riddled with delays and uncertainties, making it one of the more elusive matchups in recent memory.
As both fighters continue to grapple with their professional and personal challenges, the UFC community remains on tenterhooks, waiting for official announcements for both athletes' next moves. What remains certain is that the fervor surrounding a potential McGregor-Chandler showdown continues to captivate the audience, even if the fight isn’t happening anytime soon.
While the immediate future for Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler remains uncertain, the hype and speculation underscore the enduring allure of these two dynamic fighters. As Dana White and the UFC brass work toward resolving these scheduling issues, fans can only hope that the stars will eventually align, bringing these two powerhouses face-to-face in the Octagon.