McGregor's Frustration with UFC
The former two-division UFC champion, Conor McGregor, has publicly expressed his frustration with the organization. The Irish mixed martial artist has been sidelined since July 2021 due to a leg injury sustained in his last fight. His anticipated return to the octagon has faced further delays attributed to his late entry into the drug-testing pool.
After completing the mandatory drug-testing protocol, McGregor is now eligible to compete again starting April 8, 2024. Despite this clearance, the exact date of his return remains uncertain. McGregor's coach has hinted at a potential comeback in the summer, aligning with the fighter's readiness to step back into the ring.
However, McGregor feels the treatment he has received from the UFC has been unjust. He argues that no other fighter has experienced such treatment despite the significant revenue he has generated for the organization over the years. Dana White, the UFC president, has remained tight-lipped, providing no updates on when fans can expect to see McGregor back in action.
Shifting Focus: Chandler Eyes Diaz, McGregor Challenges Pacquiao
While McGregor awaits his return, other fighters are moving forward with their careers. Michael Chandler, another top contender in the lightweight division, appears to have shifted his focus towards Nate Diaz, indicating a potential matchup that sidelines any immediate plans for a bout with McGregor.
In the meantime, McGregor has turned his attention to a different combat sport, challenging boxing legend Manny Pacquiao to a match in Saudi Arabia. This call-out comes amidst an ongoing legal dispute where McGregor claims Pacquiao owes him eight million dollars.
The Notorious is not new to the boxing scene, having previously fought Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a crossover bout that garnered massive attention across both the boxing and MMA communities. McGregor's challenge to Pacquiao includes a demand for the Filipino boxer to move up in weight class, arguing that if he is to compete in Pacquiao's domain, it would only be fair for Pacquiao to meet him at a higher weight. Furthermore, McGregor suggests that should Pacquiao refuse to move up in weight, then allowances should be made for him to utilize a wider array of MMA techniques, including kicks and grappling.
A Look Back at McGregor's Recent Fight History
Conor McGregor's recent fight record has been sparse, with only four appearances since 2016. His last victory came against Donald "Cowboy" Cerrone, but subsequent bouts resulted in losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier, the latter defeating McGregor twice. These setbacks have not dampened McGregor's spirit or his eagerness to compete, as evidenced by his current push to secure a fight date and resolve his disputes both inside and outside the ring.
McGregor's Quotes Reflect His Impatience and Determination
"Give me something. It was supposed to be April, (and before) it was supposed to be December. They never treated anyone – no one has ever been treated [like this] for all the figures I've brought in this game," McGregor voiced his displeasure regarding the scheduling conflicts and perceived mistreatment by the UFC.
He further elaborated on his situation, saying, "I've been kept from my living for almost three years now," and described his job as being beyond frustrating. "I just want the date. Give me the date, please. That's it. … I'm waiting, I'm waiting and I'm waiting. My patience is wearing thin."
As for the proposed boxing match, McGregor did not hold back: "How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi," he suggested, followed by a rhetorical question aimed at Pacquiao, "How does that sound? Now, wouldn't you think Manny should have to come up to my weight? Considering it's his sport. Would you think that's what a man would do versus what a mouse would do?"
McGregor's bold statements continued as he challenged Pacquiao directly, "Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class," and concluded with a proposition for fairness, "Why not? It's his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight, I should be able to use more of my weapons. I should be able to kick. I should be able to grapple. Shouldn't that be fair?"
While the future remains uncertain for McGregor's career, his determination to return to competition and resolve his grievances is clear. Fans eagerly await further developments and hope to see the charismatic fighter make his way back to the spotlight, whether it be in the UFC octagon