Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor faces increasing uncertainty regarding his return to the octagon. The Irish fighter, known as the "Notorious," last competed in July 2021 when he suffered a severe leg injury in a trilogy match against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Since that bout, McGregor has not stepped back into the cage, and nearly four years have passed without a fight.
During his time away from competition, McGregor has been involved in various high-profile projects and controversies. He starred in the remake of the classic film "Roadhouse" and has dealt with a series of legal issues. In an unexpected turn, McGregor recently announced his candidacy for president of Ireland, further shifting his focus away from combat sports.
In November 2023, McGregor was found liable for sexual assault against Nikita Hand, an incident that reportedly took place in 2018. Following the verdict, many of his sponsors distanced themselves from him, including the Proper No. 12 Irish whiskey brand that he founded. McGregor responded to the ruling with a statement asserting his innocence and indicated plans to appeal the decision.
McGregor had initially planned to make his highly anticipated return to fighting against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 last June. However, he was forced to withdraw due to a foot injury, raising further questions about his future in the sport.
Recently, UFC CEO Dana White addressed the possibility of McGregor's comeback during an interview with TikTok reporter Adam Glyn. White’s comments painted an unclear picture of the former champion's return, stating, "He's not fighting any time soon. I haven't talked to him in a minute. I don't know." This remark underscores the growing concern among fans regarding McGregor's potential to rejoin the UFC.
As McGregor approaches his 37th birthday in July, his hopes of returning to the octagon seem more uncertain than ever. The lengthy absence from competition and the ongoing legal issues contribute to a diminishing window of opportunity for the fighter. With each passing day, the likelihood of Conor McGregor stepping back into the UFC cage appears to decrease.
Fans eagerly await updates on McGregor, but the future remains unclear. The mixture of legal troubles, personal projects, and physical injuries complicates his potential return to fighting. As the sport evolves and new contenders emerge, the question lingers: will the "Notorious" return, or has the curtain fallen on his illustrious fighting career?
