Conor McGregor's 2024 UFC Absence Confirmed
In a surprising turn of events, UFC superstar Conor McGregor will not be making his anticipated return to the Octagon in 2024. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed McGregor's absence during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series, putting months of speculation to rest.
McGregor, who was initially set to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in late June, has had his return derailed due to unforeseen circumstances. "We talked. We talked. We didn't meet up but we talked, and yeah, he wants to fight. So we'll figure it out. [But] not this year. He won't fight this year," White stated, emphasizing that fans should not expect to see the Irish fighter in action any time soon.
The eagerly awaited matchup between McGregor and Chandler gained significant traction earlier this year. The two fighters took on roles as opposing coaches in season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter," beginning its filming in February 2023. This setup was expected to culminate in a massive showdown, bringing together two of the sport’s most dynamic figures. However, McGregor's injury threw a wrench into those plans.
The training session injury that McGregor suffered—a broken pinky toe—forced him to pull out of UFC 303, leaving both fans and Chandler in a state of disappointment. Despite numerous attempts to reschedule the fight, the bout never materialized. Speculation had been rife that the two might clash in the final month of 2023, but these hopes were swiftly extinguished by White's recent clarification.
McGregor's absence from the UFC is notable not just for the gaps it leaves in promotional hype but also in the organization's event calendar. The former two-division champion has only recorded one win since November 2016, a victory against Donald Cerrone. His UFC record stands at a troubling 1-3 over this period, raising questions about his viability at the top level of MMA competition.
Outside the Octagon, McGregor has faced his share of controversies, from legal troubles to multiple flirtations with retirement. These off-the-ring distractions have arguably contributed to the inconsistency in his professional career. Each time McGregor hints at a comeback, fans are left wondering which version of him will show up—if he shows up at all.
On the other hand, Michael Chandler’s recent performance hasn't been stellar either. Chandler last fought in November 2022, losing by submission to Dustin Poirier. His record over his last four fights stands at an identical 1-3, much like McGregor's.
For both fighters, the anticipated matchup offered a chance at redemption. The buildup experienced multiple delays and uncertainties, exacerbating the stakes of the fight. The narrative of two combustible personalities with something to prove was a compelling draw. Yet, as things stand, it seems this narrative will remain incomplete for the foreseeable future.
McGregor's injury and his subsequent inability to reschedule the fight against Chandler underscore the unpredictable nature of combat sports. While fans will have to wait longer for McGregor's return, the UFC continues to roll forward, ever-evolving and adapting to new storylines and stars.
As Dana White aptly summarized, McGregor has the desire to fight but will have to defer his ambitions beyond 2024. The MMA world will be watching closely how both McGregor and Chandler navigate the next chapters of their respective careers, each hoping to recapture the glory that once defined their paths.