What Does the Future Hold for Conor McGregor?
What Does the Future Hold for Conor McGregor?
By Tim Burke September 17, 2024 13:51
Dana White officially announced UFC 309, a highly anticipated UFC event, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The main event is the long-awaited legacy fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic for the heavyweight championship. However, the co-main event for UFC 309 was a bombshell that rocked the MMA community. The unexpected news of former lightweight champion Charles Olivera's rematch with Michael Chandler at UFC 309 has left fans on the edge of their seats. Michael Chandler, who has been eagerly awaiting a showdown with Conor McGregor for nearly two years, is now faced with a new thrilling challenge.
"I beat Charles Olivera. I become the number one contender. I beat Charles Olivera, and I can choose to go fight Islam or Arman."
The booking of the UFC's 309 co-main event has raised a multitude of questions, particularly about the future of Conor McGregor in the UFC. Will he return to the Octagon? This remains a mystery.
UFC CEO Dana White had this to say when asked if he was 100% confident that Conor McGregor will return in 2025.
When asked if he was 100% confident that Conor McGregor will return in 2025, UFC CEO Dana White had this to say: "Yes. I wasn't in 2024. I am in 25. I know more than you guys know, and I'm confident. Conor McGregor was always coming back in 2025." This statement was made in response to ongoing speculation about McGregor's return to the Octagon.
Despite the UFC's boss's optimism about Conor McGregor's return the Octagon, the Notorious himself expressed frustration over the UFC 309 co-main event.
"I struggle to get a date. I've talked to Sheikh Turki and said Sheikh Turki, can you assist me here? I'm just a bit of the loop with it."
This begs the question, why is the MMA's biggest star out of the loop?
The answer is simple.
"I think they know he has two fights left and are trying to stretch it out as long as possible. Nice to have two fights on the books as you enter massive TV negotiations in 2025." -Ariel Helwani tweeted in response to a fan question about McGregor's relationship with the UFC.
So, as it has been since Conor McGregor's injury at UFC 264 three years ago, his future in MMA is murky. The UFC's optimism for his return in 2025 seems promising, but history tells us that Conor McGregor is unpredictable. He has retired several times, his contract is expiring, and he is a part owner of the Bare Knuckle Boxing Championship.
What is next for Conor McGregor is anyone's guess, but hopefully, he will return to the Octagon in 2025. The sport of MMA is better with Conor McGregor in it.