McGregor Will Not Fight This Year – ‘Early Next Year, Hopefully’
Conor McGregor has revealed that he will not be fighting this year, ending hopes of a bout with Michael Chandler for now.
McGregor’s last fight was all the way back in 2021, when he lost to Dustin Poirier.
During the course of that process, the ‘Notorious’ suffered a broken leg which has kept him out of action since then.
While he has undergone significant rehabilitation, the MMA star has not done enough to make a return.
Under the USADA testing rules, fighters are required to submit two negative samples over a six-month period before they can fight.
Although there are exemptions around that, it appears that McGregor will not be given one. As such, the Irishman ruled out his return that was set for December.
Conor McGregor backtracks on UFC 296: ‘It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen’
Full story: https://t.co/HPymsuAiUn pic.twitter.com/gxT5RJWqOL
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) August 21, 2023
“I hold the power. I’m going to keep doing my thing. I’m in a great spot, and I’ll see you’s all soon. F**king early next year, hopefully. Please God. Someone, Ari, Ari. My man. I’m ready, yeah. December 16, I am ready.
“Nevada State Athletic Commission, Bob Bennett may have retired. Un-retire. Because when I’m around the game… ring Bob Bennett. Tell the commission what’s the story, because I’m being kept from my livelihood here. Turns out Bob’s retired and I’m like, ‘What the f**k?’. I’ve been on the top of the game f**king long,” McGregor
This is a massive setback for the fighter, who had recently confirmed that he would be returning in December.
Following the Anthony Joshua vs Robert Helenius boxing match, McGregor happened to be in attendance as he confirmed that his comeback was on the cards.
“December. (Michael) Chandler. I have to (do it). Chandler next, in December. Then (Justin) Gaethje for the BMF (title), and then we will do the Nate (Diaz) trilogy,” McGregor
With that being said, MMA fans were very vocal about McGregor’s comments.
Social Media Reaction
If you want in you would have got tested it’s not hard
— Nicholas Collins (@Nick_cobra_kai) August 21, 2023
Well well well!! Isn’t that convenient
Been saying it since they first announced the fight that this fight will never happen— Philippe-O Pregent (@ragingphil) August 21, 2023
Well well well!! Isn’t that convenient
Been saying it since they first announced the fight that this fight will never happen— Philippe-O Pregent (@ragingphil) August 21, 2023