Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White said that Conor McGregor will not return to the Octagon this year.
Excited fans were disappointed to discover that McGregor, also known as “The Notorious,” will not be staging his much-anticipated return this year.
The former featherweight and lightweight champion hasn’t competed since losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, when he also damaged his leg, according to Reuters.
Furthermore, the 36-year-old Irish boxer was scheduled to return to the Octagon earlier this year at UFC 303 versus Michael Chandler, but he withdrew due to a fractured toe.
“We spoke over the phone, and yes, (McGregor) wants to fight. We didn’t meet up. We’ll work things out, then. Not this year, though. This year, he won’t fight,” White said to reporters on Tuesday.
In response to White’s statement, McGregor quickly stated on X that he intended to fight at the end of the year in a post.
“The date is December! Bring home the calendar year with a triumphant occasion!” McGregor composed. “Next month, I’m going to altitude to get ready. Inform UFC and Dana that we want December! December is something we deserve.”
Chandler finds himself in a challenging scenario once more as a result of White’s declaration, as the former Bellator lightweight champion has been waiting for McGregor to return to competition since 2022.
