Conor McGregor’s UFC Comeback Postponed Again

Hold onto your seats, fight fans, because Conor McGregor’s much-awaited UFC return is hitting yet another roadblock, and it’s got his coach, John Kavanagh, scratching his head.

According to Kavanagh, McGregor was initially eyeing an April comeback, but now, it seems like we’ll have to wait until the summertime to witness the Irish superstar back in action.

Kavanagh spilled the beans on Monday during The MMA Hour, expressing his frustration and confusion about the sudden change in plans. Why the delay? Well, that’s the million-dollar question that’s leaving everyone perplexed.

“We were hoping for April. That was the hope. That was what we were told. And now it seems to be the summertime I don’t know [why]. That’s literally what we were having a bit of a back and forward [about] today.”

Advertising

Advertising

Back in late October, McGregor himself revealed that the UFC was setting its sights on April for his triumphant return to the Octagon. The Irishman was growing restless after a lengthy hiatus since July 2021 and was optimistic about the April target. However, the plot thickened when Kavanagh disclosed that the UFC had decided to postpone McGregor’s return, possibly eyeing International Fight Week in July for his grand entrance.

To make matters more complicated, McGregor had officially re-entered the UFC’s drug-testing program with USADA on October 8, making him eligible to compete again on April 8, 2024, per USADA regulations. He had recently submitted his first drug tests since rejoining the program, adding to the anticipation.

Kavanagh admitted that both McGregor and the team are “very frustrated” by this latest curveball. He even expressed concerns about the toll this extended wait might have on McGregor’s mental health. However, he did find solace in the fact that McGregor has been training hard with a dedicated group of sparring partners, even if it’s not quite the same as performing in front of a roaring crowd.

Despite the setback, Kavanagh remains hopeful that the UFC might have a change of heart and stick to the April date. If that happens, McGregor could potentially look for a second fight in 2024, likely in September or late summer, health permitting. Kavanagh revealed that Michael Chandler at 170 pounds is the expected next matchup, and McGregor’s leg injury has been healed for quite some time.

In the end, Kavanagh seems to be adopting a Zen-like attitude, acknowledging that there’s no use worrying about things beyond their control. McGregor and his team have weathered storms before, and they’ll roll with the punches once more, adapting to whatever the future holds.

So, McGregor fans, stay tuned to Thirsty for News for more updates on the rollercoaster ride that is the Notorious One’s UFC comeback saga.