UFC president Dana White announced that Conor McGregor will not fight in 2024.
McGregor continues his comeback from the fractures he sustained in his left tibia and fibula during a July 2021 match against Dustin Poirier.
In response to White’s remarks, McGregor expressed his desire to fight in December. Initially, he planned to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29. However, he had to withdraw due to a broken toe he sustained during training. McGregor and Chandler previously coached against each other on “The Ultimate Fighter” reality series.
“Not this year. He won’t fight this year.”
Dana White says Conor McGregor’s comeback is postponed until 2025. pic.twitter.com/CGojv5JkIU
Advertisement— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) August 14, 2024
After announcing his injury, McGregor took to X on July 2 to share his excitement about securing a new fight date. It now seems his return will be postponed until 2025.
Chandler had hoped for a matchup with McGregor at the Sphere in Las Vegas during UFC 306 in September. However, he is now focused on his next steps.
I’ve been offered @MAKHACHEVMMA in October – but if @TheNotoriousMMA little pinky toe is ready by Sept, let’s do sphere. Biggest sporting event in history of sports!!!! @RiyadhSeason #ufc306 pic.twitter.com/STUUFns2Hp
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) July 2, 2024
“I’m an optimist by nature, so I believe the Conor fight will eventually happen, but right now we are in discussions about what comes next,” Chandler told Lucky Block (via Simon Samano of MMA Junkie). “What date? Is it Conor? Are we pivoting to a different fight? I need to make the best decision for me and my family. While I appreciate the history we have from ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ my legacy doesn’t solely depend on this fight.”
Both fighters face a waiting game, especially McGregor, who has competed only three times in the last six years. At the height of his career, McGregor made history as the first UFC fighter to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously (featherweight and lightweight). He achieved a remarkable 15-fight winning streak, culminating in a first-round knockout of UFC Hall of Famer José Aldo in just 13 seconds at UFC 194 in December 2015.
Conor McGregor does not take kindly to Dana White pushing his return timeline into 2025. 👀 pic.twitter.com/IeX1OnjKFQ
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) August 14, 2024
Advertisement
McGregor’s professional record stands at 22 wins and 6 losses, with 19 of those victories coming by knockout.
