Conor McGregor Out of the Octagon Until 2024
Fans hoping to see Conor McGregor return to the UFC will have to wait a bit longer. UFC CEO Dana White recently confirmed that McGregor will not be stepping into the Octagon in 2024. This announcement came during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, putting to rest any speculation of a late 2023 showdown.
Initially, McGregor was slated to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June, a fight that had generated considerable excitement and anticipation. Both fighters had served as opposing coaches on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023, adding a layer of rivalry and hype. However, the eagerly awaited bout never materialized.
The cancellation of the fight can be attributed to an unfortunate training injury McGregor sustained—a broken pinky toe. This injury forced McGregor to pull out of the June event, and despite multiple efforts, the bout with Chandler was never rescheduled. The latest speculation suggested a possible December fight, but Dana White put those rumors to rest. "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," White confirmed.
The absence of McGregor from the Octagon has undoubtedly been felt. Since November 2016, his UFC record stands at a surprising 1-3, with his only victory coming against Donald Cerrone. Despite his iconic status, McGregor's career has been marred by legal troubles and multiple retirements teases, adding layers of drama to his storied career.
For Michael Chandler, the wait for a high-profile fight continues. Chandler last competed in November 2022, where he succumbed to a submission loss at the hands of Dustin Poirier. His recent UFC record mirrors that of McGregor's, standing at 1-3 over his last four fights.
The build-up to the McGregor-Chandler fight has been a rollercoaster of delays and uncertainties. Despite the setbacks, the excitement surrounding this potential match-up remains high. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how both fighters will perform when, and if, they eventually clash.
While McGregor’s absence from the cage will be felt, his return in 2024 promises to be one of the most anticipated events in the UFC calendar. Until then, the UFC and its fans will have to navigate an Octagon without "The Notorious" one.