Frustrations Mount for Conor McGregor Over UFC Return
In what has become a prolonged saga of setbacks and disputes, former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has voiced significant frustration with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). McGregor, who has been sidelined since July 2021 due to a severe leg injury sustained in a bout against Dustin Poirier, has faced multiple delays in his anticipated return to the octagon.
Initially, McGregor's comeback was pushed back when he failed to re-enter the drug-testing pool in time to compete. However, after entering the pool in October, it has been confirmed that he is eligible to fight again starting April 8, 2024. Despite this clearance, the exact date of his return remains uncertain, with his coach hinting at a potential summer comeback.
The Irish fighter has not shied away from expressing his grievances publicly, asserting that he has been treated unfairly by the organization. McGregor's contributions to the sport are well-documented, having been a significant draw for the UFC, breaking pay-per-view records and elevating the global profile of mixed martial arts.
McGregor's Struggle with Inactivity
"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," McGregor lamented, referring to his history of generating substantial revenue for the UFC.
His sense of urgency is palpable as he continues, "I've been kept from my living for almost three years now. 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."
While McGregor awaits a definitive answer, UFC President Dana White remains tight-lipped about any updates regarding the fighter's return, stating he has "got nothing on either one of those guys right now," possibly referring to both McGregor and potential opponent Michael Chandler.
A Potential Shift to Boxing
Amidst the uncertainty within the UFC, McGregor has turned his attention to the boxing world, challenging Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao to a bout in Saudi Arabia. McGregor's challenge comes amidst a legal dispute where he claims Pacquiao owes him eight million dollars.
McGregor's proposition carries a defiant tone, suggesting a fight at a higher weight class and questioning Pacquiao's willingness to meet the challenge. "How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi," McGregor proposed, adding, "How does that sound? Now, wouldn't you think Manny should have to come up to my weight? Considering it's his sport. Would you think that's what a man would do versus what a mouse would do?"
He further taunts Pacquiao, urging him to "grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class." McGregor argues that if he is to compete under boxing rules, concessions should be made for the weight difference, saying, "Why not? It's his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight, I should be able to use more of my weapons. I should be able to kick. I should be able to grapple. Shouldn't that be fair?"
McGregor's Recent Fight History
Since 2016, McGregor's appearances in the UFC have been sparse, with only four fights to his name. His record during this period includes a quick victory over Donald Cerrone and losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier, the latter defeating him twice. The infrequency of his bouts, coupled with his current struggles to secure a return date, has left fans eager but uncertain about when they will next see 'The Notorious' back in action.
Meanwhile, Chandler appears to have shifted his focus away from a potential clash with McGregor, setting his sights on Nate Diaz instead. This move could leave McGregor seeking alternative opponents upon his eventual return to the UFC, provided he doesn't transition to boxing for a bout with Pacquiao.
As the situation unfolds, McGregor's future within combat sports remains a hot topic for discussion. Whether he steps back into the octagon or dons the boxing gloves once more, his next move is sure to attract widespread attention from fans and media alike.