Conor McGregor has conceded that his intention to participate in UFC 296 might not come to fruition.
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Conor McGregor has conceded that his intention to participate in UFC 296 might not come to fruition, but this isn’t due to a lack of desire on his part.
In an apparent change of stance, McGregor revised his statements regarding the Dec. 16 pay-per-view event. Just a week after hinting at a potential fight against Michael Chandler, his rival coach on The Ultimate Fighter 31, McGregor now seems to have second thoughts.
“They’re not going to let me fight in December, ladies and gentleman,” McGregor tweeted.
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Less than a day later, McGregor’s statements emerged, following UFC President Dana White’s dismissal of the December timeline. White indicated that McGregor’s return would likely be pushed to early next year.
In earlier months, UFC 296 had been the anticipated venue for the McGregor vs. Chandler match. However, due to a requirement for McGregor to spend six months in a drug testing pool managed by the promotion’s anti-doping partner, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, he missed the enrollment deadline.
In theory, the UFC has the option to provide McGregor with an exemption from the six-month window. A similar instance occurred when Brock Lesnar returned from retirement to participate in UFC 200, and he was granted an exemption. However, Lesnar’s case turned sour when he failed a drug test, leading to a one-year suspension and a significant embarrassment for both the UFC and USADA.
In his communication, McGregor expressed his optimism for assistance from the Nevada Athletic Commission, the governing body overseeing combat sports in the UFC’s home state. However, he seemed to overlook or be unaware that the individual who had previously assisted him in obtaining a boxing license, Bob Bennett, had retired from the commission in 2021.
“I’m ready, yeah,” McGregor said. “I want in. I wanted the announcement, Dec. 16. I’ve given everything. It’s not going to happen. It doesn’t look like it’s going to happen. I thought we [confirmed it], but turns out, maybe it’s not so much. I don’t know.
“But anyway, I hold the power, and I’m going to keep doing my thing, I’m in a great spot, and I’ll see you all soon. F****** early next year, hopefully. [Endeavor executive] Ari [Emanuel], my man, I’m ready, Dec. 16, I’m ready. anyone who wants to go. Dec. 16 I’m ready, anyone who wants to go.
“The Nevada Athletic Commission, Bob Bennett retired, may he un-retire. I go, ring [former NAC Executive Director] Bob Bennett. Tell him what’s the story, because I’m being kept from my livelihood here, and it turns out Bob Bennett is retired. I’m like, what the f***, I’ve been on top of this game for a long time. I’m top of his yacht, I’m on top of this game f****** long, yeah.”
After Conor McGregor challenged Justin Gaethje following Gaethje’s victory over Dustin Poirier, Dana White designated Michael Chandler as McGregor’s next opponent. McGregor had set his sights on facing Chandler, Gaethje, and engaging in a trilogy fight with his frequent opponent Nate Diaz for his upcoming three bouts.
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