Conor McGregor’s Return Delayed Once Again: No Fight Until 2025, Confirms Dana White
UFC fans eagerly awaiting Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon will need to exercise more patience, as UFC CEO Dana White has officially confirmed that the former two-division champion won’t be competing until early 2025. For many, this news is a blow, especially after McGregor’s persistent calls to fight before the year ends.
McGregor’s Plea for a December Fight
Despite McGregor’s enthusiasm, the Irishman’s hopes for a December comeback have been dashed. McGregor, who has always been vocal on social media, took to Twitter to urge UFC executives to grant him a fight before the year is out. “Ah Dana, December is the date! Bring the calendar year home with a winning event! Come on now, what’s this? I am off to altitude next month to prepare. DECEMBER! Tell Dana and UFC WE WANT DECEMBER! WE DESERVE DECEMBER!” wrote McGregor, as fans rallied behind him.
His demands for a December slot come despite numerous setbacks in recent years. From a devastating leg injury sustained during his bout with Dustin Poirier in July 2021 to a more recent toe injury, McGregor’s journey back to the cage has been anything but smooth.
McGregor’s Long Road to Recovery
McGregor’s challenges have been well-documented. With a career record of 22-6 MMA and 10-4 UFC, the Irishman has always been a headline act. However, since his injury, followed by surgery and rehabilitation, his return has been continually delayed. A possible match against Michael Chandler (23-8 MMA, 2-3 UFC), a fight that has tantalised fans for over a year, remains in limbo.
Chandler has remained patient throughout this drawn-out saga, expressing his desire to face McGregor. Yet, with White’s latest comments, Chandler may be forced to move on. Dana White stated bluntly, “Not this year. He won’t fight this year.” This clear message has left Chandler exploring alternative opponents, with the likes of Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier being considered for future matchups.
Chandler’s Next Move: No Dice with McGregor
Chandler, known for his resilience and focus, is now looking for a new challenge as McGregor’s return seems increasingly distant. After being aligned with McGregor as his rival coach on The Ultimate Fighter, Chandler has expressed a desire to put this long-running saga behind him. Speaking recently, he said, “I’m ready to move on. There are other fighters out there.”
Despite this, Chandler remains hopeful that a fight with McGregor will eventually come to fruition. Until then, however, the UFC landscape remains in flux, with fans growing increasingly frustrated at the prolonged uncertainty surrounding McGregor’s future.
The Waiting Game for McGregor Fans
As the UFC waits for McGregor’s eventual return, Dana White has tried to temper expectations. Having spoken to McGregor directly, White hinted that the Irishman may still need more time to be fully prepared for another bout. For now, McGregor remains the centre of attention, despite not stepping foot in the octagon for over two years.
His outspoken behaviour, coupled with his demands for a December return, may keep him in the headlines, but the reality is clear: no fight this year. Fans will now have to wait until 2025 for McGregor’s next chapter, a timeline that will undoubtedly test their patience. As White’s firm stance suggests, McGregor may need every bit of that time to be ready.
