The UFC has clarified its position regarding Conor McGregor’s potential return to fighting.
McGregor, the famous Irish fighter, was originally scheduled to make his comeback last June against Michael Chandler. However, this fight was cancelled due to McGregor fracturing his left pinky toe.
UFC president Dana White had previously suggested McGregor would return in the autumn of last year. However, his recent statements have cast doubt on these plans.
McGregor, who is 36 years old, still has two fights remaining on his UFC contract. Chandler claims that the UFC’s intention for McGregor’s next opponent remains unchanged: they want him to fight Chandler.
During an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Chandler stated, “Conor is always part of my discussions with the UFC. My path back to the UFC goes through him. This is the UFC’s view, and I think it’s also Conor’s view.”
“In my opinion, Conor will eventually return. But if I were to bet, using logic, I wouldn’t bet on it.”
“Currently, I am focused on fighting Paddy Pimblett from Liverpool.”
Chandler, who is scheduled to fight Paddy Pimblett at UFC 314 in Miami in April, has waited nearly two years for a high-profile fight with McGregor.
He now has significant doubts about whether McGregor will ever compete in the octagon again.
Chandler added, “My gut feeling is uncertain. He needs to return to what he loves most.”
“Everything he has achieved is ultimately linked to the UFC and the opportunities they provided.”
“Does he want his legacy to be defined by his last fight, where he broke his leg and spoke of a great comeback in combat sports history? Deceiving everyone for a couple of years, then signing to fight Michael Chandler, only to withdraw from the fight.”
“But, if I were a betting person, I wouldn’t bet on him fighting again.”
McGregor has not fought since July 2021, when he broke his leg in a fight against Dustin Poirier.
Recently, McGregor has been linked to a potential boxing match against Logan Paul.
McGregor has also indicated a greater interest in participating in influencer boxing events due to the substantial financial rewards involved.
He mentioned to The Schmo, “I’m leaning more towards influencer boxing now, because the money is astronomical.”
“There’s Jake Paul, Logan Paul, and KSI. I respect these guys, and this influencer boxing scene is an interesting new avenue.”
