Will Conor McGregor make his long-awaited return to the octagon in 2022? Get the latest updates on McGregor’s potential comeback and his plans for future fights.
Conor McGregor, the former double champ, has been absent from the octagon for over two years since his leg injury at UFC 264 in July 2021. Despite his recent coaching stint on The Ultimate Fighter, McGregor’s return to fighting has been uncertain. UFC President Dana White has provided some insight into the situation, but it remains to be seen if McGregor will make his comeback in 2022.
During an interview on Crain & Company, White expressed his desire to see McGregor fight again. He stated, ‘Obviously, we’re running this whole season of The Ultimate Fighter. To not do that fight would be ridiculous, but we’re working on it. I’m hoping we can do it early next year.’ White’s comments indicate that McGregor’s return may not happen before the end of this year.
McGregor initially confirmed that December was no longer an option for his return. However, he surprised fans by tweeting, ‘December is back on the table!’ It is unclear what has transpired in the past 24 hours that led to UFC 296 potentially taking place. One possible reason for the delay is that McGregor failed to meet the deadline to enter the United States Anti-Doping Agency testing pool. To salvage the fight for this year, McGregor may need an exemption from the UFC, similar to what Brock Lesnar received at UFC 200.
Despite the uncertainties surrounding his return, McGregor has big plans for his comeback. He intends to face Michael Chandler in his first fight back in the octagon. Additionally, McGregor aims to challenge Justin Gaethje for the symbolic ‘BMF’ title and complete his trilogy with Nate Diaz. In a series of voice notes that have since been deleted, McGregor expressed his readiness for a December return but acknowledged that it might not happen. He stated, ‘I hold the power, and I’m going to keep doing my thing, I’m in a great spot, and I’ll see you all soon. F**king early next year, hopefully.’
McGregor has even reached out to Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and former Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett, pleading his case and claiming that his livelihood is being hindered. However, it remains uncertain whether the biggest star in mixed martial arts will make his return in 2022 or have to wait until 2024.
Summary
- Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon has been uncertain since his leg injury at UFC 264 in July 2021.
- UFC President Dana White expressed his desire to see McGregor fight again but stated that it may not happen before the end of this year.
- McGregor initially ruled out December for his return but later tweeted that it is back on the table.
- It is unclear why UFC 296 is potentially back on the table, but McGregor’s failure to meet the USADA testing pool deadline may be a factor.
- McGregor plans to face Michael Chandler, challenge Justin Gaethje for the ‘BMF’ title, and complete his trilogy with Nate Diaz.
- McGregor has pleaded to Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and former Nevada Athletic Commission executive director Bob Bennett, claiming that his livelihood is being affected.
- It is uncertain if McGregor will make his comeback in 2022 or have to wait until 2024.
| Key Points |
|---|
| Conor McGregor has been absent from the octagon for over two years. |
| UFC President Dana White hopes for McGregor’s return early next year. |
| McGregor initially ruled out December for his comeback but later reconsidered. |
| The reason for UFC 296 potentially being back on the table is unclear. |
| McGregor plans to face Michael Chandler and challenge Justin Gaethje and Nate Diaz. |
| McGregor has reached out to Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and Bob Bennett for support. |
| It is uncertain if McGregor will return in 2022 or have to wait until 2024. |
