McGregor's Frustration with UFC
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), voicing his frustration over what he perceives as unfair treatment. The Irish superstar has been on hiatus since suffering a leg injury in July 2021 and is eager to make his return to the octagon.
However, McGregor's comeback has faced delays. One significant setback was his late entry into the drug-testing pool, which postponed his ability to compete. He finally entered the pool in October, setting the stage for a potential return to competition on April 8, 2024. Despite this, his coach has hinted at a summer comeback, suggesting that McGregor's return to fighting could occur sometime later in the year.
The strained relationship between McGregor and the UFC seems to have reached a new level of tension. McGregor feels that the promotion has not provided him with the support or opportunities befitting his status and contributions to the sport. "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.
"I've been kept from my living for almost three years now," McGregor continued, underscoring the impact that the enforced absence has had on his career and livelihood. His impatience is palpable as he seeks a definitive date for his return, "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."
No Updates from White; Chandler Eyes Diaz
Dana White, the president of the UFC, 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 adds another layer to McGregor's growing discontent with the organization.
Meanwhile, Michael Chandler, another top fighter in the lightweight division, appears to have shifted his focus away from a potential bout with McGregor. Instead, Chandler is looking to secure a fight against Nate Diaz, another prominent figure in mixed martial arts known for his exciting fighting style and fan-favorite status.
McGregor's Boxing Ambitions
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding his MMA career, McGregor has turned his attention to the boxing ring, issuing a challenge to boxing legend Manny Pacquiao for a match in Saudi Arabia. McGregor's interest in boxing is not new; he famously crossed over to box Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017, and the proposed bout with Pacquiao suggests he's willing to test his skills in the squared circle once again.
The callout to Pacquiao comes with an additional edge, as McGregor claims that the Filipino senator owes him eight million dollars over a legal dispute. McGregor's boldness was on full display as he taunted Pacquiao, urging him to "grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class." McGregor argued that if the fight were to take place in Pacquiao's sport of boxing, it would only be fair for the boxer to move up in weight—or alternatively, allow McGregor to utilize a more diverse set of combat skills, including kicks and grappling.
"How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi," McGregor proposed, challenging the norms of traditional boxing matches. "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 questioned, pushing for a contest that would blur the lines between boxing and mixed martial arts.
A Look at McGregor's Recent Record
Conor McGregor's recent fight history has seen a mixture of highs and lows. Since 2016, he has stepped into the cage only four times. These outings include a victory over Donald Cerrone and losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier—twice. Each fight has drawn considerable attention, showcasing McGregor's ability to generate significant interest and revenue for the UFC regardless of the outcome.
As the saga unfolds, fans and analysts alike are left to speculate on when and how "The Notorious" will make his anticipated return to combat sports, whether inside the UFC's octagon or a boxing ring. What remains clear is that Conor McGregor continues to be a central figure in the world of combat sports, and his next move will undoubtedly be met with great anticipation.