Conor McGregor has been out of action for over three years due to injuries, including a recent broken toe, but despite skepticism about his return, those close to him, like Brendan Loughnane, affirm his commitment and eagerness to fight again.
Conor McGregor just passed three years out of action. The anniversary of his last fight against Dustin Poirier was back in July 2021. Still, no word on when he may compete again.
The Irish superstar was supposed to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June. However, he dropped out after revealing a broken toe suffered during sparring. Unlike the past, McGregor refused to risk performing at less than 100 percent for his first fight back after his horrific leg break against Poirier.
Time keeps ticking away. McGregor’s continued absence has sparked skepticism about whether he’ll actually fight again. Former PFL champion Brendan Loughnane, who trained with McGregor this past year, promises there’s no doubt the Irish superstar will return.
“Of course, he wants to fight,” Loughnane told The MMA Hour. “Money doesn’t matter to Conor.” He emphasized that Conor is an out-and-out scrapper who just wants to fight.
“I was in the training room with him for four to six weeks,” Loughnane added. “Training every day, fighting each other. This guy is hungry for it.”
McGregor doesn’t have to do this now; he’s nearing billionaire status. Yet, he continues because of his love for the sport. He’s a martial artist through and through.
As far as pulling out of his bout in June due to the broken pinky toe? McGregor has faced plenty of criticism for bowing out rather than fighting through the injury.
Loughnane couldn’t disagree more. Given McGregor’s long history in the UFC where he’s taken fights while banged up or injured, stepping back shows maturity.
Taking a step back and realizing he shouldn’t fight compromised after three years away from the sport shows wisdom. It indicates that McGregor is approaching his return correctly.
“The fact that he got injured and pulled out shows me he’s in a good place,” Loughnane explained. “He’s done it before—fighting injured—but now there’s so much on the line.”
“It’s well documented that he’s fought with very bad injuries before,” Loughnane continued. “I’m glad that he did it; it shows maturity.”
Loughnane initially connected with McGregor when they were both in Dubai. There was a planned reunion supposed to happen before UFC 303.
Unfortunately, McGregor’s injury nixed those plans. But Loughnane welcomes another chance to train with him if given the call.
“I was supposed to fly there straight from my [fight] with one of his coaches,” Loughnane revealed. They were booking flights but had to cancel due to McGregor’s injury.
“I’m here in the U.K., only a short flight from Ireland,” said Loughnane. He maintains great relationships with John Kavanagh and other members of McGregor’s team.
“Why would I not be up for training with Conor?” Loughnane asked rhetorically. If Conor rings or messages him, he’ll be part of it—always needing hungry bodies himself for training camps.