McGregor's UFC Frustration and Potential Boxing Match with Pacquiao
The world of mixed martial arts is witnessing a growing sense of frustration from one of its biggest stars. Conor McGregor, the former two-division UFC champion, has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Having been sidelined since July 2021 due to a severe leg injury, McGregor's anticipated return to the octagon has been mired in delays and controversy.
McGregor's absence from competition was further prolonged by his late entry into the drug-testing pool, a mandatory step for all fighters looking to compete under the UFC banner. It wasn't until October that he entered the pool, setting up a timeline that would allow him to compete again on April 8, 2024. Despite this, his coach has hinted at a potential return during the summer season, which suggests plans for McGregor's comeback are being carefully considered.
The Irish fighter has not shied away from voicing his belief that he's been treated unfairly by the UFC. This sentiment was echoed in his recent statements where he conveyed a palpable sense of exasperation with the organization. "Give me something. It was supposed to be April, (and before) it was supposed to be December. They never treated anyone – no one has ever been treated (like this) for all the figures I've brought in this game," McGregor lamented.
"I've been kept from my living for almost three years now," he continued, highlighting the impact of his inactivity on his career. The fighter's frustration is compounded by what he perceives as a lack of communication from the UFC, particularly from its president, Dana White, who recently stated he had "got nothing on either one of those guys right now," referring to McGregor and any potential opponents.
While McGregor awaits clarity on his UFC future, he has cast his gaze towards another combat sports venture. In a surprising twist, McGregor has challenged boxing legend Manny Pacquiao to a bout in Saudi Arabia. This challenge comes amidst a legal dispute in which McGregor claims Pacquiao owes him eight million dollars.
McGregor's callout of Pacquiao was laced with bravado typical of the fighter's public persona. "How about me vs. Manny here in Saudi," he proposed, questioning the boxing icon's willingness to meet him at a higher weight class. "How does that sound? Now, wouldn't you think Manny should have to come up to my weight? Considering it's his sport. Would you think that's what a man would do versus what a mouse would do?" McGregor taunted.
He didn't stop there, urging Pacquiao to "grow a set of balls and fight me at a higher weight class." McGregor also suggested that if Pacquiao expects him to drop down in weight, then the rules should be adjusted to allow him to utilize his full arsenal of MMA techniques such as kicking and grappling, questioning, "Shouldn't that be fair?"
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding his UFC career, McGregor's record stands as a testament to his past achievements and recent struggles within the octagon. Since 2016, he has only competed four times, securing a win against Donald Cerrone but suffering defeats at the hands of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier, the latter defeating him twice.
While McGregor navigates the complexities of his relationship with the UFC and flirts with a high-profile boxing match, other fighters are moving forward with their careers. Michael Chandler, another top lightweight contender, appears to have shifted his focus away from a potential bout with McGregor, instead expressing interest in fighting Nate Diaz.
The combat sports community is left to watch and wait as McGregor's next move unfolds. Whether he will step back into the UFC octagon or don boxing gloves to face Pacquiao remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Conor McGregor remains a compelling figure in the world of combat sports, capable of drawing attention and headlines, regardless of whether he's actively competing or voicing his discontent from the sidelines.