MMA fighter Conor McGregor announces UFC comeback, Dana White sceptical

DUBLIN: Renowned mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and entrepreneur Conor McGregor announced on Thursday his return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after a prolonged absence due to injury.

He made the revelation during an interview, expressing his excitement to re-enter the octagon this summer. McGregor has been inactive from the MMA scene since sustaining an injury in a match against Dustin Poirier in 2021.

Fans are already speculating who will be McGregor’s next opponent. Several names, including Michael Chandler, have been suggested but nothing has been confirmed yet.

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Meanwhile, UFC President and CEO Dana White expressed scepticism about McGregor’s comeback due to undisclosed financial issues. McGregor himself voiced frustration over his inability to secure a match since his last one in 2021.

White stated several reasons for McGregor’s delayed return. He cited McGregor’s busy schedule promoting his new movie and believed McGregor would resume full-time training once his promotional duties were complete.

The Irish fighter has been occupied with promoting his film “Road House,” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, that has significantly delayed his return to training.

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However, McGregor stated he is “determined” to train soon and regain his fitness for the fight. The Irish reassured his fans of his continued passion for MMA and willingness to return to the octagon. He has faced accusations in past of leaving MMA behind due to success in other lucrative ventures outside the MMA scene.

Although McGregor did not specify his return date, he mentioned that UFC would announce the details later. He expressed his desire to have two fights in 2024 and to maintain consistency in his training.

While McGregor’s fans cling to hope for his return to the octagon, White declined to disclose McGregor’s next opponent but expressed optimism that it would be “resolved soon”.