Conor McGregor has declared his intention to fight again in the UFC despite his highly anticipated return lasting just 69 seconds. The Irish fighter suffered a first-round knockout loss to Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
Devastating Defeat
McGregor, 37, was caught by a right hand from Chandler early in the first round and was unable to recover. The defeat was his fourth in his last six UFC fights, with his last victory coming in 2020 against Donald Cerrone.
Speaking after the fight, McGregor said, "I'll be back. This is not the end. I've had setbacks before and I've always come back stronger." According to UFC president Dana White, McGregor is expected to undergo a medical suspension but has already expressed a desire to return to the octagon.
Future Plans
McGregor's manager confirmed that the fighter plans to take some time to recover before discussing his next move. "Conor is determined to prove he still belongs at the top level," the manager said. The loss has raised questions about McGregor's future in the sport, but the fighter remains defiant.
The 69-second bout was one of the shortest in UFC history for a main event, drawing criticism from fans and analysts. However, McGregor's star power remains undiminished, with the event generating significant pay-per-view sales.
What's Next for McGregor?
Possible opponents for McGregor's return include a rematch with Chandler or a bout against other top lightweights. The UFC has not yet announced a timeline for his next fight.
