MMA enthusiasts have been eagerly anticipating the triumphant return of Conor McGregor to the octagon, making it the ultimate comeback story.
‘The Notorious’ is expected to make his grand return later this year in a pay-per-view bout against Michael Chandler, following the conclusion of TUF 31. With anticipation at an all-time high, fans are eagerly waiting for the arena to reverberate with McGregor‘s name. However, it seems like there is a major obstacle on the path to his return, and it’s a hurdle that could derail his much-awaited comeback.
The Irishman’s arch-nemesis, Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s protégé, and the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion, Islam Makhachev, has cast doubt on McGregor‘s return with a concerning remark. It’s not something many want to hear, but it appears that the Dagestani fighter’s prediction is indeed coming true, and even the Irishman himself agrees.
Conor McGregor’s return halted?
In a recent interview, Islam Makhachev made a bold statement by stating that he doesn’t see Conor McGregor making his much-anticipated comeback in the octagon this year. Makhachev believes that the former double division champ is not ready to step back into the cage, which has caused quite a stir among fans worldwide.
Talking about McGregor vs. Chandler, the lightweight champ said, “It’s not official now. And I don’t think Conor want to fight, you know. Because he’s drinking too much, smoking all day.”
He added, “I don’t know when he fight last time. But if they fight, I think it’s gonna be 170. Maybe if he beat [Michael] Chandler, they’re gonna try to push him [to] make 155 and I know they want to give him title choice as well.”
The Dagestani fighter even added that McGregor was ‘not in shape’ for a comeback. Although worrisome, Makhachev‘s remarks may have some truth to them, considering the recent update that the Irishman has yet to enroll in the mandatory USADA drug testing program required to compete in the UFC.
As of March 13, Conor McGregor doesn't show any USADA Sample Counts in 2023. pic.twitter.com/MoSHCKcy5g
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 14, 2023
“As of March 13, Conor McGregor doesn’t show any USADA Sample Counts in 2023.”, the tweet stated.
This setback is concerning, and even ‘The Notorious’ himself has acknowledged the obstacle, further confirming the major hurdle in his path to make his grand comeback.
Conor McGregor himself confirms the ‘hurdles’ in his comeback
During a recent appearance on MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Conor McGregor dropped a concerning update on his much-anticipated comeback to the octagon. The 34-year-old UFC icon dropped a concerning USADA update, which is certainly not good news for his legion of fans.
Conor McGregor talks USADA.#TheMMAHour pic.twitter.com/LhLgVsvmqU
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 16, 2023
McGregor said, “I’m not rushing anything,” He further added, “There’s hurdles and whatnot, but we’re in contact, we’re in constant communication. There is an interview scheduled, and a meeting happens and then it will be official. But the six months thing, what they had said was two clean tests and off I go… so I assume it won’t be too long.”
On the other hand, ‘The Notorious’ has finished filming the 31st season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ which is set to air on May 30. With the filming wrapped up, all focus is now on getting McGregor ready for his comeback.
Every fight fan is hoping that the already agonizing wait to see the ‘Mystic Mac’ back in action doesn’t get further extended. Let’s hope things fall in place for good.
Are you excited for Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler? Who are you rooting for in this PPV bout? Let us know in the comments below.
