Conor McGregor has teased his next opponent, while also suggesting he could quit the UFC in a series of now-deleted posts.
McGregor hasn’t fought in the octagon since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021 at UFC 264.
The 36-year-old was scheduled to make his return to MMA in June against Michael Chandler, but pulled out of UFC 303’s main event after injuring a toe.
This left UFC fans around the world wondering if we would ever see ‘The Notorious’ fight again.
UFC President Dana White, however, has suggested there is still a glimmer of hope for McGregor to return to the cage.
When asked about his thoughts on McGregor’s sexual assault case at UFC 310’s post-fight press conference, White was snappy with his response.
“What do you mean, what’s my reaction? If I had a comment, I would’ve put it out already,” he said.
White was then pressed for more information about McGregor’s status in the UFC, and he added: “He hasn’t been fighting here in, I don’t know how long. Well, if he does fight, it’ll be sometime next year.”
McGregor responded to White’s comments and suggested who his next UFC opponent could be in a now-deleted series of posts on X.
“Nineteen KOs in pro MMA,” McGregor wrote. “That’s not my business, though. Great chat, Dana White, love your thinking.”
He also posted a gif of the hit film Braveheart in which Mel Gibson’s character shouts ‘freedom’, suggesting that he could leave MMA’s biggest promotion.
Chandler, 38, who was beaten by Charles Oliveira in an all-out war at UFC 309 in his last bout, was quick to respond.
TheMacLifeMcGregor and Chandler were both coaches on The Ultimate Fighter[/caption]
He said: “Remember in the cold tub doing the TUF coaches’ challenge you said I’d be your 20th? Show up and try me.”
McGregor responded swiftly, saying: “It’s you! Rest up and I’ll see you at the top. #ManOfWord.”
Chandler and McGregor both took part in an ice bath challenge during filming of The Ultimate Fighter’s 2023 season, where legendary UFC announcer Bruce Buffer asked them a series of questions.
In the video McGregor antagonises Chandler by saying the American will be his 20th KO in pro MMA.
After his loss at UFC 309, Chandler issued made sure to let McGregor know that he still remains very interested in a fight.
“Conor McGregor. If you can ever get your house back in order while us professionals have been keeping the octagon warm, we’re wondering where you’ve been Conor,” he said.
“Come back and beat me. If you can!”
McGregor was found by a jury to have assaulted Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.
As a result, Ms Hand, who accused McGregor of raping her, was awarded £206,556.03.
McGregor has denied the claim and intends to lodge an appeal.
This also led to McGregor’s ‘name and likeness’ no longer being used by the company that bought the Irishman’s Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand.
‘The Notorious’ sold Proper No. twelve to Mexican owned Proximo Spirits in 2021 for over £100m.
Major retailers such as Tesco, SuperValu, Centra and Costcutter also said they would no longer be stocking any products associated with McGregor.
