Conor McGregor was presupposed to return to the Octagon shortly after teaching reverse Michael Chandler on the thirty first version of The Final Fighter. However the collection is nearly over and there may be nonetheless no phrase on McGregor’s return.
We do not know when. We do not know the place. Even who has turn into a supply of hypothesis.
Why Conor McGregor is not prone to struggle in 2023
It is a tried and true method. Two key UFC fighters coach reverse one another on the promotion’s actuality collection, The Final Fighter. They undergo just a few weeks of jawwing with one another on the present, increase hype for an eventual showdown within the Octagon.
Simple peasy. Till one Conor McGregor enters the equation.
Everybody anticipated that the UFC would seemingly need the McGregor vs. Chandler match-up to happen on considered one of their marquee occasions, comparable to Madison Sq. Backyard or the year-end pay-per-view in Vegas.
However none of that has come to fruition. And even the Las Vegas occasion in December would appear to be out of the query as a result of McGregor has to re-enter the U.S. Anti-Doping Company managed UFC drug testing program for six months previous to returning.
McGregor suffered an damage in his final struggle. Whereas recovering, he withdrew from USADA testing, which is why he now has to leap again within the pool for no less than six months with out an infraction earlier than combating once more.
As of Friday, July 21, 2023, McGregor’s most up-to-date USADA take a look at was through the third quarter of 2021. If he started testing proper now, until USADA in some way determines he deserves and exception to the rule, the soonest he may struggle is January 2024.
McGregor’s supervisor weighs in on USADA
So what is the maintain up with McGregor getting again within the USADA-run UFC drug testing program? His supervisor, Audie Attar, lately weighed in on McGregor’s present standing.
“We’re in energetic discussions with the UFC, we’ve spoken to USADA, and we’re going to do issues the best manner,” Attar told MMAJunkie lately.
“That’s all I’m going to say about that. The factor about Conor McGregor is, individuals will speculate and tales run wild which might be 9 occasions out of 10 very inaccurate and false. In order that’s all I’ll say about that. However actually, he’s on the lookout for a comeback in 2024.”
Not precisely the reply that almost all followers who wish to see McGregor struggle wish to hear, however it’s most likely probably the most practical reply as to when.
“You possibly can’t rule out the top of the yr. However I feel simply when it comes to the place we’re proper now when it comes to the date, it’s seemingly going to be 2024,” Attar continued.
“I feel that’s what the UFC has their sights set on, so we’ll see sort of precisely when that shall be.”
Attar was simply as elusive about who McGregor would struggle in his return. He did not shoot down the Chandler bout. In truth, he sounded as if that’s nonetheless the most probably struggle for McGregor, however he did not rule out shifting on to a different opponent.
“Till then, we’re simply going to do our factor, and go about it the best manner. He’s getting ready on the finish of the day, and that’s a very powerful factor,” stated Attar.
“Chandler is sensible, however so do others. However Chandler is who he has his sights set on. We did that present understanding that that match-up could be subsequent.”
What can we anticipate when Conor McGregor returns to the Octagon?
It is a truthful query to ask: What’s Conor McGregor going to be like when he returns to the UFC?
In spite of everything, it has been two years since he final set foot within the Octagon. That was a devastating loss to Dustin Poirier that noticed McGregor go away with a critical damage. He is been rehabbing, he hasn’t been combating, and he is nonetheless been mired by the fixed controversy and accusations that comply with him all over the place exterior of the ring.
“Everyone’s at all times doubting him in numerous methods and criticizing him, and being crucial. However finally, they’ll see when he steps into that octagon,” Attar stated.
“In the end, I feel they’ll eat their phrases then.”
