Conor McGregor, the dynamic former two-division champion, has kept fans and pundits alike guessing about his UFC return. Having last fought in July 2021 at UFC 264, where a leg injury marked a premature end to his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier, McGregor has remained largely absent from the octagon. His only involvement with the UFC this year has been as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter, where he faced off (in words, not fists) with Michael Chandler.

The USADA Hurdle: McGregor’s Return Delayed?

Further casting shadows over McGregor’s potential return is his exit from the USADA testing pool during recovery. His re-entry into the pool – a prerequisite to compete – demands a six-month wait period. May saw rumors of an imminent McGregor re-entry into the testing pool, but the official USADA website suggests otherwise. Halfway into the year, the clock is ticking for McGregor if he intends to make an appearance before 2023 closes.

Dana White’s Outlook: Uncertain but Unfazed

UFC President Dana White, despite acknowledging the potential fall-through of a McGregor fight, remains unperturbed. Speaking at the UFC Vegas 74 post-fight press conference, White expressed his admiration for the business’ unpredictable nature. He also hinted at McGregor’s renewed interest in returning to the octagon, likely fueled by his involvement in The Ultimate Fighter. However, he highlighted the difficulty in motivating fighters like McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov, who are flush with cash, to return to the ring.

McGregor’s Financial Status: A Barrier or Boon to His Return?

2021 saw Conor McGregor top the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes, thanks to a lucrative sale of his Proper No. 12 Irish Whiskey brand. Despite his financial success, recent activities suggest a desire for a comeback. This includes the release of a Netflix miniseries, McGregor Forever, focusing on his previous fights and the journey back to the ring post-injury.

The McGregor vs Chandler Fight: Inevitable or Improbable?

The expected return of McGregor was supposed to culminate in a face-off with Michael Chandler. However, his USADA re-entry status has cast doubts on the feasibility of this matchup. Despite the uncertainty, Dana White and the UFC seem to take it in stride. As per White, they are prepared to navigate any issues that come with booking a fight for an athlete of McGregor’s stature. Regardless of whether McGregor changes his mind or any complications arise, UFC continues business as usual.

The Wait Continues: McGregor’s Return Still a Mystery

As it stands, fans are left eagerly waiting for an official announcement regarding McGregor’s MMA return. With rumors of a potential McGregor vs. Chandler fight and a looming pay-per-view event in December, anticipation is high. Yet, without a confirmed re-entry into the USADA testing pool, it remains to be seen whether the “Mystic Mac” will make his grand return in 2023. As the UFC navigates these uncertainties, it appears that it might be business as usual after all – with or without McGregor.

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