UFC president Dana White has put an end to speculation surrounding Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the octagon, confirming that the Irish fighter will indeed make his comeback in 2024.
McGregor, who has been out of action since suffering a leg fracture in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, has been the subject of intense debate regarding his status in the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) testing pool.
The USADA Controversy
Questions arose when it emerged that McGregor hadn't been in the testing pool for the required six months before competing. UFC policy mandates that fighters must be in the pool for at least six months prior to any bout.
White addressed these concerns during a recent press conference, stating: "We'll figure it out. The Conor thing, who knows? I'm not saying the fight's done or anything is done, but there's nothing to worry about."
A Political Connection?
Interestingly, McGregor recently made headlines for his appearance at former US President Donald Trump's fight night in Las Vegas. The MMA star was seen sitting ringside with Trump during the event, fueling speculation about his political connections.
McGregor himself has remained characteristically vocal on social media, teasing fans about his return and maintaining his trademark bravado. "The greatest comeback in combat sports history is underway," he recently tweeted.
What's Next for McGregor?
While no official opponent has been confirmed, rumors suggest a potential showdown with Michael Chandler, who coached against McGregor in the recent season of The Ultimate Fighter.
The UFC's handling of McGregor's situation with USADA will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for how the organization deals with high-profile fighters and anti-doping regulations moving forward.
One thing is certain: when McGregor does return, it will be one of the biggest events in UFC history, with fans around the world eager to see if the former two-division champion can recapture his former glory.
