Conor McGregor, the charismatic Irish fighter and former two-weight UFC world champion, is itching to step back into the octagon. However, his return has been marred by what he perceives as the UFC’s sluggishness.
The Long Road Back & USADA Controversy
McGregor’s last fight was a trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Unfortunately, fate dealt him a cruel hand—he broke his leg in the final seconds of the first round, leading to a loss and a prolonged hiatus. But McGregor is resilient, and he’s ready to make a comeback.
In 2023, “The Notorious” found himself embroiled in a high-profile feud with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The Irishman wanted to return to fighting, but USADA claimed that the UFC pressured them to waive their mandatory six-month testing window for McGregor. Essentially, this would mean less testing for the fighter. USADA has since disappeared from the scene, yet McGregor remains sidelined.
Chandler, Diaz and Pacquiao- Conor McGregor’s Plan for 2024
“Still holding [out] hope for June 29th.” McGregor candidly expressed while replying to a fan on his Instagram story regarding his return. “Lack of action on it however is now causing a lack of enthusiasm. I need a decision soon. I am the most tested athlete under this new regime. Yet no date to fight.”
He continued, “This game is a bit lackluster also at the present which isn’t helping. I hope these next few cards pop and I get a date. Eliminate distractions and begin real work towards it.”
But McGregor isn’t just waiting idly. He has a plan—a two-fight plan, to be precise. If he had his way, he’d face Michael Chandler in June, Nate Diaz in September, and Manny Pacquiao in December.
“I wish for (the Diaz fight) on Mexican Independence Day in the Sphere. Chandler, June. Diaz, September. I have let this be known,” McGregor wrote in one of his Instatram stories. “Still holding hope for June 29th. Lack of action on it however is now causing lack of enthusiasm. I need a decision soon. I am the most tested athlete under this new regime. Yet no date to fight. The game is a bit lackluster also at present, which isn’t helping. I hope these next few cards pop and I get a date. Eliminate distractions and begin real work towards it.”
“It’s still there.” In another story, Mystic Mac commented on the Pacquiao boxing match. “Could be [in] December. The Saudi’s are game changers in the market 100%.” [H/T BJPenn.com]
The combat sports fanbase shares McGregor’s impatience, as they eagerly await to witness his return, see him trade blows with Diaz and Chandler, and perhaps even witness a showdown with Pacquiao. However, for now, McGregor waits, his enthusiasm tempered by the UFC’s indecision.
ALSO READ: Dustin Poirier’s Good Fight Foundation- Making a Difference Beyond the Octagon