Despite 3 Fights Approval, Conor McGregor Casts Doubts on His UFC 296 Return Against Michael Chandler: “I’m Being Kept From…”

Conor McGregor, the former UFC two-division champion, plans to fight again this year. However, there appears to be a significant impediment in his path. McGregor said a few days ago that he will face three fighters (Michael Chandler, Justin Gaethje, and Nate Diaz). His battle with Chandler is already in the works, since they both competed as coaches on TUF 31. Their bout was scheduled for UFC 296, which would take place in December.

Unfortunately, McGregor just revealed on Twitter that his comeback to the UFC this year is in doubt. While discussing his circumstances, ‘The Notorious’ sounded angry. USADA appears to have created a stumbling barrier for the former UFC champion.

What did Conor McGregor say about his fight?

Conor McGregor hasn’t fought since his previous defeat in 2021 when he also sustained a career-threatening injury. The Irishman, however, has healed from the damage and is keen to compete this year.

However, ‘The Notorious’ is no longer in the USADA testing pool and he had to join the testing pool in June in order to compete this year. Unfortunately, McGregor missed the USADA deadline, which now appears to have become a major issue for him. In now-deleted voice notes on Twitter, McGregor said:

“They’re not going to let me fight in December, ladies and gentlemen. You’ve seen Chris Weidman (at UFC 292). Imagine what that injury is. I feel like I’m being kept from my livelihood, and I’ve been feeling this for years. I’m not going to air grievances. And I’m going to buoy down and soldier on. I’m ready. I wanted an announcement for (UFC 296 on) Dec. 16. I’ve given everything. So, it’s not going to happen. It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen.”

Previously, when asked about McGregor’s return and the USADA situation, Dana White sounded a bit off. But he was confident that ‘The Notorious’ will return this year. However, things seem to have changed now.

Dana White gives an update on McGregor’s return

During the post-fight press conference for UFC 292, Dana White expressed his opinions on Conor McGregor’s return. While White initially appeared hesitant to discuss the matter, he later delivered devastating news.

McGregor’s comeback has been postponed until next year, according to the UFC president. White predicted that it will happen in the initial months of 2024. He did not, however, specify the cause for the delay.

However, given Conor McGregor’s statement, it is reasonable to assume that the USADA problem is creating a delay. Nonetheless, considering that it is the return of the UFC’s favorite megastar, everything is possible.