Conor McGregor cited his frustration for the delay ion his UFC return, and eyed a possible crossover clash against octuple world champion boxer Manny Pacquiao. The two have had a brief banter in the past, including a legal lawsuit involved between McGregor’s managers and ‘Pac-Man’.
All of it seemed to fade away when Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao posed together for a grand picture during Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou event in October. Meanwhile, McGregor had been aiming for a potential UFC return in a long time. After skipping the whole of 2022 and 2023, ‘Notorious’ desired to make his comeback in April 2024 at UFC 300.
That said, Dana White is yet to officially announce a date and an opponent for his biggest superstar. McGregor was present at the recent ‘Day of Reckoning’ boxing event on December 23.
When asked about the situation of his comeback, McGregor told, “Get me back in there. The Mac has lots to offer and loads to deliver. They are talking Manny here in Saudi. The lads in the UFC aren’t really talking any. So, the lads here are talking Manny, the UFC aren’t talking any.”
Meanwhile, Conor McGregor has also hinted that he is s till open to compete at UFC 300. It is expected to be the biggest event the promotion has ever hosted and the biggest star shouldn’t be missing from the card.
When Can Conor McGregor Return?
Conor McGregor is aligned to make his comeback against Michael Chandler. The two have clashed against each other as coaches at TUF 31. However, there are plenty of other options before ‘Notorious’. A possible trilogy against Nate Diaz is also claimed to be in the works. As for now, the Irishman seems hungry and steady to set his foot inside the cage.
In the same interview, he said, “Give me something. I’m supposed to be back in April. It was supposed to be December! For all the figures I’ve brought in this game, I sell more than all of them combined. No one in the history of the fight game has been treated the way I’ve been getting treated at this minute. From what I came through, to what I bring. They f——- should open the floodgates for me. I’m waiting! And my patience is wearing thin on me waiting.
“Tell Manny to grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class. Why not? It’s his sport. If he wants me to come down to a smaller weight, I should be able to use more of my weapons. I should be able to kick. I should be able to grapple. Shouldn’t that be fair? Say it to him. Is he a man or a mouse? Is Manny a man or a mouse?”
Dana White clearly appears to have something major in his mind for McGregor. It’s been more than two years since McGregor has competed in the UFC. His final two fights in the promotion were against Dustin Poirier. He lost both of them and desperately needs to win his returning bout.
