Conor McGregor has voiced considerable frustration regarding the UFC’s perceived lack of urgency in scheduling his highly anticipated return to the octagon.
The Irish superstar has been rigorously training, re-immersing himself in his career with the same intensity that marked his ascent to global fame. Despite his unwavering focus on an imminent comeback, the promotion has seemingly stalled his plans, particularly his hopes of fighting at the rumored UFC White House event.
McGregor had been under the impression that he would compete at an upcoming event on June 14, with a potential clash against Michael Chandler being his preferred opponent.
“‘I was aware it was the White House event,’ McGregor stated regarding his return. ‘I know the administration strongly supported my participation. It was set to be McGregor versus Chandler, a narrative already built-in. Chandler is a standup fighter, electric in the cage, always bringing the action. And I’m “The Mac,” I would have soared through the air against an opponent like Chandler. It would have been an explosive fight.'”
Instead of facing McGregor, Michael Chandler is now slated to fight Mauricio Ruffy, a younger and highly motivated fighter often likened to a “Conor McGregor clone” due to his similar fighting style.
While the Chandler vs. Ruffy bout promises excitement, McGregor firmly believes he should have been the one challenging the former Bellator lightweight champion.
“‘At some point, you know, I never said no, or that the money wasn’t enough, or anything like that. It was simply, ‘Maybe we’ll go with you for International Fight Week.’ Okay, no problem. ‘Maybe we’ll leave Chandler.’ You know, I do like Chandler. I might have been preparing for him for the last two years. It feels a bit strange. He deserves to fight after all this waiting, and it would be a great fight.’ McGregor continued, ‘It makes sense. It’s easily arranged. It gets me back in there. But, you know, they diverged from that. I won’t be overly selective now. I just need to get back. I’m eager to compete again.'”
With the Michael Chandler fight now off the table, Conor McGregor remains keen to make his comeback very soon.
Expecting his next fight to be at welterweight, the 37-year-old revealed he has accepted numerous offers from the UFC, but none have materialized into a signed contract. He remains hopeful for positive news soon, envisioning himself potentially contending for the BMF title.
“‘What weight class will Conor fight in? I’ll do 170, as you know. I’m a big boy now, much larger than before. ‘Okay, we’ll offer you this opponent.’ Yes, no problem. I accept – day after day. No problem. ‘Send the contract.’ Excellent. ‘It’s a great matchup.’ ‘That’s a great matchup.’ ‘That’s a great matchup,’ is all you ever hear from me. Yet no contract arrived. And that’s where I stand, still in this limbo… I hope a respectable offer comes through.’ McGregor added, ‘I’m notoriously easy to deal with. I’m an honest man. I value fairness, and I’m confident we can resolve this. The vibes I’m picking up, and I’m perfectly fine with it, point towards the BMF title… Perhaps it’s me versus [Charles Oliveira] next… I’m driven to compete, to return. To showcase my hard work, my skill level, and where I am today to the world. So, the BMF title is excellent. It definitely puts a belt on the waist. I’m certainly a bad man with a good heart. So, why not claim the BMF title?'”