Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor has spoken about fighting again but who will he face and when does he fight?
Conor McGregor is the biggest name in the MMA world and there is a doubt over when he is to fight next.
The Irishman has not fought since breaking his leg in the trilogy against Dustin Poirier. McGregor had to undergo surgery and hasn’t fought since 2021.
There was a lot of excitement when McGregor was named as a coach for the latest The Ultimate Fighter season alongside Michael Chandler. While the TUF season ended recently, Chandler and McGregor are still to fight.
Dana White and Michael Chandler were both recently asked about the prospect of McGregor fighting in December 2023 on the final PPV of the year.
Chandler was hopeful of the same taking place while White was not ruling this out as the UFC president said (h/t ESPN):
“Why not December? Who the f— knows? We’ll see how this thing plays out.”
There are a few problems with the Irishman trying to return for a December clash. The USADA, the drug testing partner of the UFC, needs stars who are out of the testing pool to be in the pool for six months and pass two tests.
USADA did mention that they expected McGregor’s papers to come in May and he would enter the pool then. However, there has been no news about him getting any tests done.
The UFC does have the power to overrule the six-month period if they believe it isn’t fair to competitors. However, they have not confirmed this would be the plan for the Irishman.
McGregor, who has taken shots at Chandler and other UFC stars during his time out of action, posted this message on X (formerly Twitter):
“I’m ready. I wanted an announcement Dec. 16. I’ve given everything. It’s not going to happen; it doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.”
However, he posted another message recently claiming that there could be a 2023 December fight.
It is to be seen when McGregor does return. When he does, it will be against Chandler and this PPV could break a few records thanks to the Irishman’s draw.
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