Conor McGregor was brimming with confidence about the timeline for his UFC return just eight days ago when he laid out a three-fight plan starting with Michael Chandler in December.
The tone of the former two-division titleholder now has drastically changed, and McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) has indicated he won’t be stepping into the octagon this year.
McGregor hasn’t competed since suffering a broken leg in his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier. He’s been teasing a comeback for more than a year, but the biggest roadblock appears to be his situation with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, which oversees the UFC drug-testing program.
USADA repeatedly has stated that McGregor must re-enter the testing pool and comply with at least two clean drug tests over the course of a six-month period before he’s cleared to compete. In March, USADA issued a statement that McGregor had been in contact and was prepared to submit his paperwork “immediately,” but there’s no evidence that ever happened.
There are still many uncertain elements surrounding McGregor, but his frustrations are growing, which he expressed Sunday.
“They’re not going to let me fight in December, ladies and gentlemen,” McGregor said in a series of audio notes on X. “You’ve seen Chris Weidman (at UFC 292). Imagine what that injury is. I feel like I’m being kept from my livelihood, and I’ve been feeling this for years. I’m not going to air grievances. I’m going to buoy down and soldier on. I’m ready. I wanted an announcement for (UFC 296 on) Dec. 16. I’ve given everything. So, it’s not going to happen. It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.”
Epiphany pic.twitter.com/P7uKCoSAre
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 20, 2023
UFC president Dana White said he didn’t have an update on the timeline for McGregor’s return when asked on Saturday at UFC 292 in Boston. He indicated it won’t happen until 2024 but offered no additional details.
Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC), who coached opposite McGregor on Season 31 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” was also in attendance at UFC 292 and couldn’t hide the fact he’s becoming increasingly impatient waiting on McGregor.
Michael Chandler ponders if we’re “splitting hairs” with the holdup around Conor McGregor’s USADA status.
Full video: https://t.co/VfmnEbvNeR pic.twitter.com/V6TAutky05
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) August 20, 2023
The UFC could grant McGregor, 35, a special exemption through its agreement with USADA to allow McGregor to bypass the six-month testing process. Chandler said he would have no issues if that decision was ultimately made, but it would certainly come with a large degree of public backlash.
UFC lightweight contender Poirier, who has defeated both McGregor and Chandler, has said an exemption would make a mockery of the entire purpose of USADA. The only exemption that has been issued under a similar circumstance came in July 2016, when the promotion booked Brock Lesnar for an unexpected return fight, and he subsequently tested positive for a banned substance, which led to a lawsuit from opponent Mark Hunt.
McGregor has failed to address all the yellow tape around his situation, though, but he did plead with Endeavor CEO Ari Emanuel and the Nevada Athletic Commission to provide assistance in clearing the path for him to fight.
“I hold the power,” McGregor said. “I’m going to keep doing my thing. I’m in a great spot, and I’ll see yas all soon. F*cking early next year, hopefully. Please God, someone. Ari, Ari. My man. I’m ready, yeah? Dec. 16, I am ready. Nevada State Athletic Commission, Bob Bennett may have retired. Un-retire. Because when I’m around the game – ring Bob Bennett. Tell the commission what’s the story, because I’m being kept from my livelihood here. Turns out Bob’s retired and I’m like, ‘What the f*ck?’
“I’ve been out of this game the longest. I’m on top of this yacht at the minute, but I’ve been on the top of the game f*cking long.”
Conor McGregor casts doubt on December return to UFC: ‘They’re not going to let me fight’