Conor McGregor's UFC Return: A Saga of Frustration and Anticipation
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has expressed significant frustration with the UFC over his prolonged absence from the octagon. The Irish superstar, who last competed in July 2021, has faced a series of setbacks that have kept him sidelined, most notably a severe leg injury that required extensive recovery time.
McGregor's anticipated return to fighting was further delayed when he failed to enter the drug-testing pool as required for all active competitors. However, he rectified this in October, setting the stage for a possible comeback. According to the UFC's anti-doping policy, McGregor will be eligible to compete again on April 8, 2024, after completing the mandatory testing period.
Despite this clear timeline, McGregor's coach has hinted at a potential return in the summer, suggesting that plans for his next fight are already in motion. Yet, McGregor himself remains vocal about what he perceives as unfair treatment by the UFC, lamenting the lack of a definitive date for his next bout.
The situation is compounded by UFC President Dana White's silence on the matter. When asked for updates on McGregor or his potential opponents, White stated he had "got nothing on either one of those guys right now," leaving fans and pundits alike in the dark about the future of the sport's most notorious figure.
McGregor's Challenge to Pacquiao
In a surprising turn, Conor McGregor has shifted focus outside the UFC, challenging boxing legend Manny Pacquiao to a boxing match in Saudi Arabia. McGregor's challenge comes amidst a legal dispute where he claims Pacquiao owes him eight million dollars. The nature of this dispute remains unclear, but it has not stopped McGregor from issuing a bold call-out to the Filipino senator and boxer.
McGregor's proposition carries a twist; he wants Pacquiao to move up to a higher weight class. "How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi," McGregor proposed, questioning whether Pacquiao would be willing to meet him at a weight more comfortable for the MMA fighter. He went on to criticize Pacquiao's hesitation, saying, "Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class."
Further stoking the flames, McGregor suggested that if Pacquiao expects him to drop to a lower weight class, then it would only be fair for him to utilize a fuller range of combat skills, including kicks and grappling—techniques not allowed in traditional boxing. "Why not? It's his sport," McGregor argued, pushing the boundaries of conventional boxing matchups.
A Look Back at McGregor's Recent Record
Since 2016, Conor McGregor has stepped into the cage only four times, a stark contrast to the frequency of his fights in earlier years. His record during this period includes a single victory against Donald Cerrone and two losses to Dustin Poirier, along with a defeat at the hands of Khabib Nurmagomedov. These results have left fans yearning for the triumphant return of the brash Irishman who once held titles in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions.
McGregor's discontent is palpable in his statements, where he expresses a deep sense of being wronged by the organization that helped catapult him to global fame. "Give me something. It was supposed to be April, (and before) it was supposed to be December. They never treated anyone – no one has ever been treated (like this) for all the figures I've brought in this game," he said, referencing his significant impact on the sport's financial and popular success.
"I've been kept from my living for almost three years now," McGregor continued, emphasizing the personal and professional toll of his inactivity. "This is my job. It's beyond frustrating. … I just want the date. Give me the date, please. That's it. … I'm waiting, I'm waiting and I'm waiting. My patience is wearing thin."
As the world awaits McGregor's next move, his public outcry serves as a reminder of the complexities athletes face in the high-stakes world of combat sports. Whether his return is imminent or continues to be shrouded in uncertainty, McGregor's ability to capture the public's imagination remains undiminished. With every passing day, the anticipation grows for the return of one of MMA's most iconic figures.