Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has expressed frustration over delays in scheduling his next fight, stating that he hopes to face Michael Chandler in June and Nate Diaz in September, while also considering a boxing match against Manny Pacquiao in December.
Conor McGregor is itching to get back in the ring. The ex-UFC champ, who’s been out of action since 2021, is rumored to be planning a comeback. He was all set to appear on “The Ultimate Fighter,” with a match against Michael Chandler in the works for 2023.
But, things got complicated. McGregor had to rejoin the UFC’s anti-doping program after his hiatus, which delayed his return. There was talk of him headlining UFC 300 in April, but that fell through. Then, outta nowhere, McGregor announced a fight with Chandler on June 29, the date for UFC 303.
But UFC CEO Dana White wasn’t having it. He hoped for a fall return for McGregor, but nothing’s been set in stone. McGregor’s been vocal about the constant delays and admits it’s getting to him. “Still holding hope for June 29,” he said during an Instagram Q&A. “Lack of action on it, however, is now causing lack of enthusiasm. I need a decision soon.”
McGregor’s also not thrilled with the current state of the game. “The game is a bit lackluster also at present, which isn’t helping. I hope these next few cards pop and I get a date. Eliminate distractions and begin real work towards it.”
There’s no official reason for McGregor’s delayed return. White suggested McGregor’s wealth might be a factor. “Conor McGregor doesn’t need the f****** money,” White said in February. “So, when you don’t need the money, it’s not as easy — I mean, Khabib [Nurmagomedov] doesn’t need the money. Khabib retired.”
McGregor didn’t comment on White’s reasoning. But he’s still keen to return sooner rather than later. Interestingly, his Q&A happened exactly eight years after his first UFC loss to Nate Diaz on March 5, 2016. McGregor beat Diaz in a rematch five months later at UFC 202.
Talks about a trilogy have been ongoing, but McGregor hasn’t had the chance to finish the rubber match with Diaz. Diaz left the UFC in free agency. But Diaz recently hinted at a UFC return in September, which caught McGregor’s attention. “I wish for this on Mexican Independence Day in The Sphere,” McGregor said. “Chandler June, Diaz September. I have let this be known.”
Whether McGregor gets his wish remains to be seen. He’s also eyeing opportunities in boxing. He’s previously pursued a matchup against boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, especially now that Saudi Arabia is offering big money for major fights. “It’s still there,” McGregor said about facing Pacquiao. “Could be December. The Saudis are game changers in the market 100 percent.”