McGregor's UFC Comeback Faces Delays and Disputes
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has expressed his exasperation with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) amidst ongoing delays in his return to the octagon. The Irish superstar, who has been out of action since suffering a leg injury in July 2021, is eager to step back into competition but feels stymied by what he perceives as unfair treatment from the organization.
McGregor’s anticipated comeback was pushed back due to his late entry into the drug-testing pool, a prerequisite for all fighters looking to compete under the UFC banner. After completing the necessary steps, McGregor became eligible to fight again on April 8, 2024. Despite this clearance, his coach has hinted at a potential return in the summer, indicating that plans are still fluid.
The fighter's frustration is palpable as he navigates through what he describes as an unprecedented situation. "Give me something. It was supposed to be April, (and before) it was supposed to be December. They never treated anyone – no one has ever been treated (like this) for all the figures I've brought in this game," McGregor lamented. He further emphasized his plight, stating, "I've been kept from my living for almost three years now."
McGregor's vexation extends beyond scheduling conflicts. He claims that the delay is more than just an inconvenience; it's a barrier to his profession. "This is my job. It's beyond frustrating. … I just want the date. Give me the date, please. That's it. … I'm waiting, I'm waiting and I'm waiting. My patience is wearing thin," he said.
UFC President Dana White, known for his candid updates on fighter statuses, has remained tight-lipped regarding McGregor's situation, stating he has "got nothing on either one of those guys right now." This lack of communication only adds to the uncertainty surrounding McGregor's future in the sport.
Chandler Eyes Diaz, McGregor Seeks Pacquiao Showdown
While McGregor's UFC future remains in limbo, other fighters are moving forward with their careers. Michael Chandler, another top lightweight contender, seems to have shifted his focus to a potential bout with Nate Diaz, diverting attention away from a possible matchup with McGregor.
In a surprising turn, McGregor has called out boxing legend Manny Pacquiao for a boxing match in Saudi Arabia. McGregor challenged the Filipino icon to meet him at a higher weight class, suggesting that Pacquiao should accommodate him given that boxing is Pacquiao's domain. "How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi," McGregor proposed, adding a taunt aimed at Pacquiao, "Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class."
McGregor also highlighted a financial dispute with Pacquiao, claiming that Pacquiao owes him eight million dollars over a legal issue. This allegation adds another layer of intrigue to the proposed boxing match, which would not be McGregor's first foray into the squared circle, having previously fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017.
The former champion's combat sports career has been sporadic in recent years, with only four appearances since 2016. His record during this period includes a victory against Donald Cerrone and losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier (twice). Despite these setbacks, McGregor's star power remains undiminished, and his return to competition—whether in MMA or boxing—is highly anticipated by fans around the world.
McGregor's Challenge to Boxing Norms
Not content with merely proposing a fight, McGregor also questioned the conventions of boxing matchups, suggesting that if he were to fight at a lower weight class, he should be allowed to utilize a broader array of combat techniques. "How does that sound? Now, wouldn't you think Manny should have to come up to my weight? Considering it's his sport. Would you think that's what a man would do versus what a mouse would do?" McGregor queried provocatively.
He continued to push the envelope, saying, "Why not? It's his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight, I should be able to use more of my weapons. I should be able to kick. I should be able to grapple. Shouldn't that be fair?" These comments reflect McGregor's larger-than-life persona and his penchant for challenging the status quo, both inside and outside the ring.
As the combat sports community awaits McGregor's next move, the tension between the fighter's expectations and the realities of his contractual