After months of insisting that he would make his long-awaited return to the Octagon in December, Conor McGregor is finally casting doubt on his 2023 comeback.
McGregor is still yet to re-enroll in the USADA testing pool for a required six months a pre-fight screening, but that hasn’t stopped the former two-division titleholder from claiming that he would return to action on December 16 for the promotion’s final pay-per-view of the year.
However, McGregor is now seemingly accepting the fact that he will not compete in 2023. Taking to social media, the Irishman revealed that he will likely not be allowed to fight before the end of the year.
“They’re not going to let me fight in December, ladies and gentlemen,” McGregor said in a series of audio notes on X (formerly Twitter). “You’ve seen Chris Weidman [at UFC 292]. Imagine what that injury is. I feel like I’m being kept from my livelihood, and I’ve been feeling this for years. I’m not going to air grievances. I’m going to buoy down and soldier on. I’m ready. I wanted an announcement for [UFC 296 on] Dec. 16. I’ve given everything. So, it’s not going to happen. It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.”
“I hold the power,” McGregor continued. “I’m going to keep doing my thing. I’m in a great spot, and I’ll see yas all soon. F*cking early next year, hopefully. Please God, someone. Ari, Ari. My man. I’m ready, yeah? Dec. 16, I am ready. Nevada State Athletic Commission, Bob Bennett may have retired. Un-retire. Because when I’m around the game – ring Bob Bennett. Tell the commission what’s the story, because I’m being kept from my livelihood here. Turns out Bob’s retired and I’m like, ‘What the f*ck?’
With an estimated net worth of $200 million, it’s safe to say that McGregor’s “livelihood” will be just fine whether he fights again or not.
Michael Chandler Addresses Conor McGregor Fight and the Irishman’s USADA Status
Conor McGregor’s anticipated opponent, Michael Chandler, made an appearance inside Boston’s iconic TD Garden on Saturday night to take in The Ultimate Fighter tournament finals as part of the UFC 292 prelims. Following the fights, Chandler spoke with members of the media and fielded some questions regarding his long-teased scrap with the former champ-champ.
“I think when we step inside the Octagon, it’s going to be the biggest fight we’ve seen in a very long time and I do think the entire world is looking forward to the greatest comeback in combat sports history,” Chandler said at the post-fight press event. “Can he do it? Is he still that guy? We don’t know until he actually goes in there and fights me. Either way, I’m excited about it. I’m excited to compete against him.”
Chandler also addressed the issue of McGregor’s status with USADA. Specifically, the fact that the Irishman has not yet re-enrolled with USADA, essentially leaving their fight up in the air.
“That whole situation is very interesting to me,” Chandler said. “I got a lot of thoughts on it, but ultimately, I signed on with the organization in September of 2020 and I could have fought in October of 2020. So, this whole, ‘You know he retired so it’s gonna take six months to come back.’ I mean, are we splitting hairs here? What are we talking about?
“To me, as long as a man is in the USADA testing pool for months on end and he has the ability to be tested every single day or multiple times a day for a certain period of time… That to me is a very interesting gray area. Ultimately, I am out here and I can fight Conor with one day in the USADA testing pool or a year in the USADA testing pool. It’s not going to make a difference.”
Following UFC 292, Dana White confirmed that the timeline for McGregor vs. Chandler has shifted to early 2024.
