In the exciting world of mixed martial arts, all eyes are on Conor McGregor and his potential return to the UFC. McGregor, known for his flashy personality and impressive skills, has been out of the ring for a while, and now, Michael Chandler has shared his thoughts on whether we might see McGregor back in action anytime soon.
Michael Chandler Moves On, Doubts McGregor’s Comeback
Recently, Michael Chandler confirmed that he has moved past the long-anticipated fight against Conor McGregor. Chandler and McGregor were primed to clash at UFC 303, set for July 2024, which was part of the much-expected season 31 of *The Ultimate Fighter.* However, as time passed, that fight never took place. Now, Chandler has faced and lost to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 and is gearing up to battle Paddy Pimblett in the co-main event at UFC 314 scheduled for April 12th.
Chandler expresses his concerns about McGregor’s ability to return to fighting, citing distractions caused by McGregor’s other business ventures. These comments have sparked discussions among fans and fighters alike regarding the future of the flashy Irish fighter.
Conor McGregor: Out of the Ring and Into Politics?
In addition to his fighting career, McGregor has stirred up some political buzz lately! He recently mentioned his interest in running for president of Ireland. On March 16th, he criticized Ireland’s judiciary on social media and urged citizens to think about voting for him in the next elections. Furthermore, McGregor has plans to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump on St. Patrick’s Day, which has raised eyebrows and questions about his future in mixed martial arts. Both McGregor and Trump have previously supported each other, making this meeting seem significant for McGregor’s budding political endeavors.
Jeremy Stephens Throws Down the Gauntlet
Adding more drama to the situation, Jeremy Stephens, an old rival of McGregor, has issued a chilling challenge to him. After announcing his own return to the UFC, Stephens took to social media with a message that suggests McGregor might not be able to dodge a potential fight. This challenge comes from a history rich with rivalry, dating back to 2016. The two had a brief confrontation in Philadelphia in January 2024, reigniting the flames of their long-standing conflict.
Stephens is set to fight Mason Jones on May 3rd in Iowa and claims this could be McGregor’s last chance to avoid a showdown.
What’s Next for McGregor?
McGregor’s last fight was against Dustin Poirier in 2021, during which he suffered a serious leg injury. Since then, he has been absent from the octagon, raising questions about his future as an MMA fighter. There’s been no announcement of any upcoming matches for him, leading fans to wonder if his time as a fighter is coming to an end, especially with his new political ambitions taking center stage.
As Chandler prepares for his upcoming fight, he remains skeptical about McGregor’s return. He currently has an impressive record of 23 wins and 9 losses in MMA and is eager to continue proving his skills, regardless of McGregor’s decisions. His focus remains on the match against Pimblett, which could determine his next steps in the UFC.
Getting Personal: A Fighter’s Journey
Michael Chandler has been active in the UFC, competing five times within just 28 months. He emphasized that he has no regrets about the canceled fight with McGregor, stating that he is committed to staying active and making each fight count. This speaks volumes about the dedication and passion he holds for the sport.
This mixture of rivalry, politics, and uncertainty makes the current situation around Conor McGregor fascinating for fans of mixed martial arts. Will we see McGregor back in the octagon or leading a new political front in Ireland? As the story unfolds, it’s clear that every fighter has their own battles to fight, both inside and outside the ring.
