McGregor's UFC Return: A Saga of Frustration and Delays
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has publicly voiced his frustration with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) as he navigates a complicated path back to the octagon. The Irish superstar, known for his brash personality and knockout power, has been sidelined since July 2021 due to a severe leg injury that occurred during his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier.
While McGregor's physical recovery was one hurdle, his return to active competition faced another obstacle: re-entering the drug-testing pool. According to UFC anti-doping policy, fighters must be in the testing pool for six months before they can compete. McGregor entered the pool in October, setting up a timeline that would allow him to fight again by April 8, 2024. Despite this, his coach hinted at a potential summer comeback, adding more ambiguity to an already uncertain situation.
The fighter's discontent stems from what he perceives as unfair treatment by the UFC. In a recent statement, McGregor expressed his exasperation, "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." His tone conveyed a sense of urgency and a desire for clarity on when he can resume his career.
"I've been kept from my living for almost three years now," McGregor continued, highlighting the prolonged period away from fighting, which he considers his primary profession. The intensity of his sentiment was palpable as he added, "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."
Dana White's Stance and Chandler's Focus Shift
Amidst McGregor's grievances, UFC President Dana White has remained tight-lipped, offering no updates on the fighter's return. When asked about McGregor and his situation, White simply stated he had "got nothing on either one of those guys right now." This lack of information has undoubtedly contributed to McGregor's growing impatience.
Meanwhile, lightweight contender Michael Chandler has redirected his attention toward a different opponent, eyeing a bout with Nate Diaz instead. This shift further complicates McGregor's potential matchups upon his return, leaving his future within the UFC even more uncertain.
McGregor's Boxing Ambitions: A Challenge to Pacquiao
Conor McGregor has also turned his sights to boxing once more, challenging Filipino legend Manny Pacquiao to a match in Saudi Arabia. McGregor's ambitions in the boxing ring are not new, having previously fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a highly publicized crossover bout in 2017.
Adding another layer to the proposed fight with Pacquiao is a legal dispute between the two, with McGregor claiming Pacquiao owes him eight million dollars. McGregor used this as leverage in his call-out, suggesting that Pacquiao should move up in weight to meet him as a show of good faith and sportsmanship.
"How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi," McGregor proposed, questioning Pacquiao's willingness to meet the challenge. "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?" McGregor's rhetoric was characteristically confrontational as he continued to goad Pacquiao, "Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class."
He went on to argue for a leveling of the playing field, given the fight would take place under boxing rules, "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 comments reflect his desire to compete but also underscore the complexities of negotiating such a crossover event.
McGregor's Recent Fight Record
Since 2016, McGregor's appearances in the UFC have been sporadic, with only four fights to his name. His record during this time includes a quick victory over Donald Cerrone and losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier, the latter defeating him twice. Each fight has carried significant weight, either due to McGregor's star power or the high stakes involved, but his recent inactivity has left