McGregor's Frustration with UFC Grows Amidst Comeback Delays
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has expressed significant frustration over his prolonged absence from the Octagon. Since suffering a leg injury in July 2021, the Irish superstar has been sidelined, unable to compete or capitalize on his fighting career.
The delay in McGregor's return was compounded by his late entry into the drug-testing pool, a mandatory step for all fighters looking to compete under the UFC banner. Having entered the pool in October, McGregor is now eligible to fight again on April 8, 2024. Despite this clearance, his coach has hinted at a potential summer comeback, suggesting further delays in McGregor's much-anticipated return to action.
Adding to his discontent, McGregor feels that he has been treated unfairly by the UFC, a sentiment he has not shied away from expressing publicly. The star's relationship with the organization appears strained, as UFC President Dana White has offered no concrete updates on when fans can expect to see McGregor back in the cage.
Meanwhile, other fighters are moving on with their careers. Michael Chandler, a top lightweight contender, seems to have shifted his focus to a potential bout with Nate Diaz, leaving McGregor without an obvious opponent upon his return.
McGregor Eyes Boxing Match with Pacquiao
In a surprising twist, Conor McGregor has issued a challenge to boxing legend Manny Pacquiao for a match in Saudi Arabia. McGregor's call-out comes amidst a legal dispute in which he claims Pacquiao owes him eight million dollars. The nature of the dispute remains unclear, but it has fueled McGregor's desire to settle their differences in the ring rather than through legal channels.
McGregor, who has only competed four times in mixed martial arts since 2016, has seen his recent record tarnished with losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier (twice), alongside a single win against Donald Cerrone. However, his competitive spirit remains undimmed as he seeks to re-establish himself as a combat sports icon.
The fiery competitor has also taken a jab at the weight class issue for the proposed boxing match, suggesting that Pacquiao should move up in weight to accommodate McGregor's size. "How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi," McGregor stated, pushing for what he believes would be a fairer fight if the Filipino boxer were to "grow a set of balls" and meet him at a higher weight class.
McGregor's argument hinges on the premise that if he is to compete in Pacquiao's sport of boxing, then concessions should be made regarding the weight class. He goes so far as to suggest that if he is required to drop down in weight, he should be permitted to utilize a more diverse set of martial arts techniques, such as kicking and grappling, to even the playing field.
McGregor's Uncertain Future
As the saga unfolds, Conor McGregor's future in both mixed martial arts and boxing remains uncertain. His public outcries reflect a man eager to return to competition yet frustrated by the mechanisms and politics that seem to be holding him back. "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, highlighting his contributions to the sport and his exasperation with the current state of affairs.
"I've been kept from my living for almost three years now," McGregor continued, underscoring the personal and financial impact of his hiatus. "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."
With no fight date set and a potential boxing match with Pacquiao hanging in the balance, McGregor's path forward is clouded with questions. Will the UFC provide the clarity and opportunity he seeks? Can he resolve his legal issues with Pacquiao and secure a high-profile boxing match? Only time will tell how the next chapters of Conor McGregor's storied career will unfold.