Conor McGregor Out For 2024: UFC's Struggle Continues
Conor McGregor, arguably one of the most charismatic and controversial figures in mixed martial arts, will not be returning to the Octagon in 2024. This confirmation came directly from UFC CEO Dana White, during a post-fight press conference for Dana White's Contender Series.
The much-anticipated face-off between McGregor and Michael Chandler has been thwarted once again. Initially set for UFC 303 in late June, the bout fell through when McGregor suffered a broken pinky toe during a training session. This injury forced him to withdraw from the scheduled fight, much to the dismay of fans worldwide.
McGregor and Chandler were not just opponents in the ring but also coaches on season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter," which began filming in February 2023. Their rivalry on the show created significant buzz, setting the stage for what was expected to be an explosive clash. However, the fight never materialized despite ongoing speculations and efforts to reschedule.
There was even talk of McGregor facing Chandler in December, but Dana White put those rumors to rest. “We talked. We talked. We didn't meet up but we talked, and yeah, he wants to fight,” White explained. “[But] not this year. He won't fight this year.”
Since November 2016, McGregor's UFC record is a mere 1-3, with his only victory coming against Donald Cerrone. This decline has been shadowed by legal troubles and multiple retirement teases, adding layers of uncertainty to his already tumultuous career.
On the other side of the Octagon, Michael Chandler's recent track record isn't much brighter. His last fight took place in November 2022, where he lost by submission to Dustin Poirier. Over his last four UFC fights, Chandler shares an identical 1-3 record.
The build-up to the McGregor-Chandler fight has been marred by delays and uncertainties, leaving fans in a perpetual state of anticipation. With McGregor's return now officially off the table for the coming year, the UFC faces the challenge of re-centering its narrative around active fighters who can consistently participate in marquee events.
While McGregor's star power continues to draw attention, his absence raises critical questions about the UFC’s future strategies for attracting viewership and keeping fans engaged. Both McGregor and Chandler have demonstrated their capabilities as captivating competitors and personalities, but the window for their duel seems to be closing.
As the UFC navigates this turbulent period, the focus will likely shift to nurturing new talent and revitalizing the appeal of other established fighters. However, for the legions of Conor McGregor fans, the wait continues, with the hope that "The Notorious" will someday return to reclaim his lost glory.