Conor McGregor claims his fighting career isn’t over, stating he’ll return only for a stadium event and has “unfinished business” with Michael Chandler, despite fan sentiment turning against him due to various controversies and a prolonged absence from the octagon.
Conor McGregor insists his fighting career isn’t over, even as fan sentiment seems to be turning against him. At least, that’s what the buzz suggests after McGregor’s recent declaration. He claims he’ll only return to the octagon if it’s for a stadium event and mentions he has "unfinished business" with longtime rival Michael Chandler.
In a twist of events, McGregor responded to WWE’s annual WrestleMania spectacle—held at the massive 65,000-seat Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas—by tweeting, “I’ll only come back to a stadium.” Then, he stirred the pot further by hinting at a potential fight with Chandler. This matchup has been teased for years. Chandler has persistently called out McGregor, they coached opposite each other on The Ultimate Fighter 31, and their scheduled fight at UFC 303 last June was canceled due to McGregor’s injury.
McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. His return? Complicated. Injuries, business ventures, political ambitions in Ireland, and legal issues—including being found liable for sexual assault in November related to a 2018 Dublin incident—have all played a part.
Fans? Not exactly waiting with bated breath for the former two-division UFC champ’s next bout—if it ever happens. Curious about community reactions? Check out some of the best below.