Conor McGregor was set to make his MMA return in the main event of UFC 303 against Michael Chandler. However, he suffered a broken toe just weeks before the PPV and had to pull out of the main event eventually.
Rumors circulated all around social media about McGregor’s potential return in December at the UFC 310 in Las Vegas but UFC chairman Dana White put an end to such speculation, ruling out the Irishman’s return until early 2025.
“Let me tell you this: I was the one this year saying I don’t think he’s going to fight, amid all the talk and everything else,” White said. “Conor McGregor will fight next year, early 2025. He’s had so much time off, as far as the hunger, he’s a very wealthy guy. We’ll find out. We’ll find out when he comes back, but he is definitely one of the big superstars of the sport that elevated the UFC all throughout Europe and other parts of the world. He’s been a big star and a great partner for us.” he added.
While White did not cite the exact reason for McGregor’s absence, YouTuber Jake Paul believes it may be related to the UFC’s broadcast agreement with ESPN, which is set to expire in January 2025. Paul speculates that the UFC plans to use McGregor as a bargaining chip in negotiations for their upcoming network deal with ESPN.
McGregor has two fights left on his current deal with UFC and with his next fight still not confirmed, UFC is already set to offer him another contract, highlighting the 36-year-old’s influence on the franchise.
When did Conor McGregor last fight in the UFC?
Conor McGregor last faced Dustin Poirier in their trilogy fight at UFC 264 on July 10, 2021. Poirier dominated right from the start of the first round, continuously touching McGregor with his left hand and landing some fierce hooks. With moments left into the round, McGregor threw a left hand, but as he stepped back on his left leg, it snapped. He immediately collapsed onto his back, screaming in agony from the brutal injury.
Poirier finished the fight with some strong punches and was declared winner by TKO via doctor’s stoppage. In the post-fight interview, the Irishman insulted Poirier and his wife with some offensive words, making a memorable end to a one-sided fight.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
