945 days. That’s how long it’s been since we last saw Conor McGregor in the UFC octagon.
Few could have imagined that when he produced one of the big title fights against Eddie Alvarez in 2016, he would win just one more fight in the seven years that followed.
But that’s the situation the Irish superstar finds himself in today. McGregor, the celebrity, continues to grow. McGregor the fighter continues to fade further into the background.
Of course, a horrific injury is largely to blame for this. The 35-year-old’s last fight ended in disaster when he broke his leg in the first round of his trilogy showdown with Dustin Poirier in the summer of 2021.
The horrific injury was seen by some as career-ending, but McGregor quickly assured fans he would return.
Conor McGregor’s long-awaited comeback has long been talked about in MMA
Two and a half years have passed and fans still know little about when or if this return will actually happen.
UFC president Dana White provided an update this week, but it wasn’t the news McGregor’s followers were hoping for.
He announced that ‘Notorious’ comeback will take place in the fall this year, a blow to those who still harbored vague hopes that McGregor would headline the historic UFC 300 PPV or return in the summer at the latest.
McGregor had taken to Instagram earlier this week to express his frustration at the lack of movement regarding his return in a stark message to his paymasters, writing: ‘get this damn date set.’
That’s a sentiment that will resonate with many, especially considering that filming for season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter took place around this time last year.
McGregor and fellow lightweight Michael Chandler were coaches on the reality show, which traditionally culminates with the two coaches facing off in the octagon.
McGregor has had to fight Michael Chandler for months since the Ultimate Fighter
The 35-year-old is clearly desperate for an announcement about his next fight
The series aired in the summer and was intended to be the perfect hype machine for late 2023.
The days flew by when McGregor had not registered for USADA’s testing program and it became clear that he would not be seen again in 2023 as fighters were not allowed to compete until six months after their return to the pool.
Chandler, knowing this would be the best payday of his career, was clearly willing to wait, but the usually active American is still twiddling his thumbs.
McGregor, who re-entered the test pool in October, took heat from USADA for the situation, while also hinting at interest in other opponents instead of Chandler.
Hopes of an earlier return for the Dubliner were sparked when it was announced that the eight-year partnership between the UFC and USADA would end in January this year, with disagreements over McGregor largely blamed.
McGregor has fully recovered from his broken leg and claims he is ready to fight
McGregor said in November: ‘April is a good start for me and I would be happy with that.
‘I’m in a good place, I trained and I left. But I’ve been training and April seems like a good time to come back.”
That would coincide with UFC 300 and it seemed like these stars were lining up for the sport’s biggest star to top the historic card.
However, McGregor’s tone soon changed when the former duelingweight champion ‘announced’ a July date via social media on New Year’s Eve.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Happy New Year to you all.” McGregor said in a video on X.
“I would like to announce the return date for myself, ‘The Notorious’ Conor McGregor. ‘The greatest comeback of all time will take place in Las Vegas during International Fight Week on June 29 and the opponent, Michael Chandler. And the weight, Mr. Chandler, 185 pounds.”
Chandler welcomed the message and replied, “I always said I wanted you at your best, at your worst, and at your best.” He said at X. 185 would look good on me.’
Nevertheless, UFC 300 (April 13) continues to draw closer with no main event scheduled.
There appear to be few other options for the UFC to give the show the big main event it deserves, with McGregor tweeting last month that his presence on the card would “seal the deal.” Chandler was quick to respond again, writing, “I accept, see you soon.”
McGregor appears fit and ready to fight, regularly sharing training videos, back in the testing pool and fully recovered from his leg injury.
But Dana White poured cold water on the UFC 300 speculation in his interview with Pat McAfee last week, saying, “eventually. Hopefully this year. There is no date. I hope for the fall. (Hopefully) we’ll get it done in the fall.”
This latest significant delay has frustrated fans by suggesting McGregor, who isn’t getting any younger, may never return.
It’s no secret that the Irishman has a lot to do besides fighting. He’s now a household name and has made more than enough money to never compete again.
His whiskey company Proper Twelve has made him hundreds of millions and he will star opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in a remake of the American classic action thriller Road House, which will be released on Amazon in March.
The Irishman continues to make the most of his success and fortune as he waits for a fight
While he may be working out, it’s clear he’s still enjoying himself and the finer things in life.
The former champion’s lifestyle is a world apart from most fighters, and a growing sector of the UFC’s core fanbase will tell you they’re losing interest in seeing him return.
Yet that sector still represents a minority of the fan base.
There’s no doubt that a return, if it ultimately happens, would mean huge revenue for the UFC. So if he’s ready, what are they waiting for?
