In a development that has shaken the MMA community, UFC superstar Conor McGregor will not be making his much-anticipated return to the Octagon in 2024. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the unfortunate news during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series.
The Irish fighter was initially set to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June, a bout that had fans buzzing with excitement. However, McGregor's comeback trail was derailed by an unfortunate injury. The former UFC champion suffered a broken pinky toe during a training session, forcing him out of the scheduled fight.
Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor were not strangers to each other, having already shared a competitive arena as opposing coaches on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. Their coaching stint added fuel to the hype surrounding their anticipated clash in the Octagon. But despite the buildup, efforts to reschedule the fight proved futile.
The MMA world held its breath as speculation swirled that McGregor might fight Chandler in December. These rumors were put to rest when White clarified that McGregor wouldn’t be fighting this year. "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," stated White.
McGregor's recent record has been less than stellar. Since November 2016, he has only managed one win, and that came against Donald Cerrone. Over the same period, he has suffered three defeats. This string of disappointing performances has been compounded by legal troubles and multiple retirement teases, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding his career.
Michael Chandler, on the other hand, has also faced his share of difficulties inside the cage. His last outing was in November 2022, where he lost by submission to Dustin Poirier. Much like McGregor, Chandler's recent UFC record stands at 1-3 over his last four fights. This parallel trajectory of both fighters adds a layer of intrigue to their much-anticipated bout, whenever it may finally happen.
The road to the McGregor-Chandler fight has been littered with delays and uncertainties, much to the disappointment of fans and analysts alike. The fighters’ coaching roles on "The Ultimate Fighter" had stoked hopes that their rivalry would culminate in a high-stakes showdown, but those dreams have been deferred.
For now, the MMA community will have to wait longer to see McGregor back in action. Dana White's confirmation has set the stage for continued speculation. What remains clear is that, despite the setbacks, the drive to return and compete remains strong in McGregor. When he does eventually step back into the Octagon, it will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about events in recent UFC history.