McGregor Wants To Return At UFC 300 – Says Audie Attar
Conor McGregor is targeting a return at UFC 300.
That is according to his manager, Audie Attar. The Notorious has been absent from the sport since his defeat to Dustin Poirier. The MMA fighter broke his leg, which required a lengthy period of recovery. The Irishman’s comeback had been delayed by his failure to enroll in USADA in time for 2023.
The organization requires that MMA fighters provide two negative samples over six months before they can compete. McGregor has entered the testing pool, which could put them in line for a return at UFC 300. Although that may be the case, Dana White suggested that a return for the summer was more likely. But given that McGregor is such a huge name, the Irishman could still end up on the card.
McGregor’s Manager
“If it was up to him, he’d be fighting Saturday, so ultimately we’re just trying to make sure we’re doing everything right and following all the standard operating procedures to get him back in the octagon as soon as possible. FC 300 would be amazing, and obviously we’re pushing as hard as we can to make that happen. Ultimately, it’s going to be an exciting 2024 for his return,” Attar said
If McGregor does return at UFC 300, then the talk will turn to his opponent. He has been linked with a fight against Michael Chandler ever since they competed as coaches on the TUF 31 series. Outside of the Chandler fight, McGregor has expressed his desire to have a trilogy with Nate Diaz.
Their current record stands at 1-1, which has set up the narrative for a third fight. Justin Gaethje has also been mentioned by McGregor. Following Gaethje’s win over Dustin Poirier to win the BMF title, the Irishman promised to ‘slap’ him around the octagon. Despite those choices, Chandler is still seen as the front runner.
McGregor’s Opponent
“Look, I think that’s the likeliest opponent. They just did The Ultimate Fighter together, and I think the fans want to see that fight, but there are other opponents as well. At the end of the day, the UFC is still keen on Michael Chandler and unless something changes there, I certainly think that’s who’s going to be,” Attar stated
Nevertheless, Dana White did not sound as enthusiastic as McGregor’s management team. The UFC’s CEO recently suggested that the onus is on him to make it clear when a return is possible. White mentioned McGregor’s huge wealth as a potential reason for not returning since there is no financial motivation. Therefore, unless McGregor is keen on legacy, he has questions to consider over his career.
“Listen, at the end of the day, you know, I say it all the time, Conor [McGregor] is extremely wealthy. He has a lot of different options in his life. You know, when Conor gets that hunger back and really wants to come back [to the UFC] and fight, it’s all up to him,” White said
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