Conor McGregor Targets A Return In April – ‘This Is My Job’

November 15, 2023
1 year

In the latest MMA news, Conor McGregor has confirmed that he is targeting a return in April next year for his first fight since facing Dustin Poirier in 2021.

McGregor suffered a defeat at the hands of the American in UFC 264 during which the MMA fighter broke his leg. In the aftermath, the ‘Notorious’ underwent surgery, which was followed by reports that he could return in 2023.

However, in order for that to have happened, McGregor was expected to enrol in USADA testing. That requires fighters to provide two negative samples over a six-month period before they can fight.

McGregor failed to meet the deadline in 2023, as the news over the enrolment occurred after the six-month deadline. As such, a return in April looks likely with McGregor desperate to make a statement.

McGregor On His Return

“April, They’re saying April now. I’m happy with April. I would’ve loved earlier, but I have to be — if I’m to be honest and realistic, and for my fans, I want to put in a good run, build myself back, and that’s it. It’s looking like April, mixed martial arts. I’ve been kept from my living for almost three years now. Understand that. I came through what I came through. I’m sitting on an injury and a loss. Imagine what that [does]. You hear what Alexander Volkanovski said — I relate. I must return to my way of living. This is my job. So it’s beyond frustrating and hopefully we can back [in April]. I just want the date. My date, please. That’s it,” McGregor

This naturally begs the question: who will McGregor face? As of now, Michael Chandler appears the name most likely given the continuous links that have emerged following their rivalry on the TUF 31 series as coaches. Meanwhile, a Nate Diaz trilogy has also been mentioned.

And yet, for a first fight back, that may appear unlikely. After all, Diaz has been focused on his boxing endeavours of late, following the bout with Jake Paul. Regardless of who he may end up facing, McGregor was simply focused on fighting again.

McGregor On Staying Active

“I need to, man. If this was boxing, if I was a boxer — yes? — after my injury and the height I reached, from belts to pay-per-view numbers, they would put me back in against this guy [media member] that has never boxed before. That’s what they would do in boxing, to build me back up. But no, you get thrown to the shark’s den, the lion’s den in MMA. That’s the way it is, which is fine. But I just want to get back and get active. I want to become the best me before I call it a day, and for that to happen, for any fighter, to be the best they can be, they need consistent competition. So I am eager for that,” McGregor

McGregor’s return has been longed talked about. So the only question remaining is who will he face? Time will tell. Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingblitz.

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