When Is Conor McGregor’s Next Fight? Will He Return to the UFC in 2023?

UFC star Conor McGregor announced himself to the MMA world when he became the ‘champ-champ’ on Cage Warriors in 2012. The Irishman replicated his exploits in the UFC when he defeated Jose Aldo at UFC 194 and became the featherweight champion. Subsequently, he added Eddie Alvarez to the list of his victims as he clinched the lightweight title. The fighter has seen a drop in his career progress since then without taking a hit on his global star image. The last time MMA fans witnessed him in the Octagon was in July 2021, and there is no concrete timeline for his comeback.

While UFC President Dana White made the fans hopeful of the announcement of the Irish fighter’s return against Michael Chandler, the top brass is yet to iron out the details. This hasn’t helped the fans’ cause who are growing restless with each passing day.

McGregor vs. Chandler Fight Odds

In February, the UFC tentatively put the match in the second half of 2023. The sports betting sites quickly released the odds on the probable fight despite no weight class being confirmed.

Oddsmakers at multiple online betting sites believed the fight to go either way and thus listed it as 50-50. ‘The Notorious’ and ‘Iron’ both were -110 for the money line. The odds are expected to vary as the fight will inch closer.

Moreover, there are no prop bets available for the fight as of June.

Is Conor McGregor fighting in 2023?

The MMA fans, as well as the promotion, are hopeful of the return of ‘Mystic Mac’ in 2023. In March this year, he revealed he was in the loop with USADA and, given his star power, he might be granted an exception to the 6-month testing pool stipulation. He said, “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.”

Likewise, the Dublin-born informed MMA Fighting he expected to make his comeback by the year-end. He stated, “That’s done. By year-end, I’m back in that cage having competed. I’m gearing up now, ready to go.”

“Michael Chandler, it will be announced during The Ultimate Fighter… by the time that show finishes, we’ll have a date and it will be set for the fan,” he added later.

On the other hand, the UFC lynchpin, on multiple occasions, reiterated his ambition to make the fight happen. He informed at the UFC Vegas 73 post-fight press conference, “There’s a fight. He has to get into the USADA pool first… But it’s all in motion. That’s [before the end of the year] what we’re shooting for.”

What has happened to Conor McGregor?

The SBG Ireland representative, in his trilogy match against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, broke his left tibia and fibula in the first round. The fans can gauge the extent of the gruesome injury from the fact that he left the cage on a stretcher.

Deadline for 2023 UFC date approaching for Conor McGregor to enter anti-doping testing pool

The 22-6 record holder had the deadline of June 16 to register himself in the USADA’s testing pool. But with recent allegations against him, the prospect of him fighting in 2023 plunged.

According to Aaron Bronsteter, the 34-year-old was yet to submit the samples as reflected by the USADA athletes’ test history. Further, he speculated the much-awaited return might be off this year.

Has Conor McGregor retired from MMA?

A prolonged absence and the UFC cash cow’s tendency to announce abrupt retirements from MMA complicate the issue further. But the former UFC champion has emphasized he is willing to return to the Octagon.

In August 2022, McGregor declared his intent to be back with a reference to Titanic.

Also, similarly, he penned in a tweet, “I’ll be back! For the sake of humankind! I must return! Happy birthday my man, Schwarzenegger! Hope you… are proud of my recovery and work and my latest move on the board. Fun times ahead — bring it.”

The USADA rules and regulations remain the biggest hurdle in McGregor’s comeback this year. Besides, his ability to attract trouble might also put his comeback in jeopardy.

Do you believe the MMA gods will smile at the UFC fans and Conor McGregor will return to UFC this year? Let us know in the comments below.

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