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UFC News: Conor McGregor Reveals Hope Amid Injury: 'I'm Ready To Go Again'

Conor McGregor made an appearance at Bellator Dublin and discussed his next fight.

Zain Bando

Sep 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; MMA fighter Conor McGregor smiles as he walks on the field before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Minnesota Twins at Wrigley Field.
Sep 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; MMA fighter Conor McGregor smiles as he walks on the field before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Minnesota Twins at Wrigley Field. / Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Former UFC double champion Conor McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) is finally making the rounds with MMA media to discuss his recently revealed toe injury, which has sidelined him from his UFC 303 main event fight with Michael Chandler, which was scheduled for next Saturday in Las Vegas.

Conor McGregor Reveals Mystery UFC 303 Injury: ‘I’ll Be Back - Chandler or Not'

McGregor, who will be 36 in under a month, is confident that his injury will only keep him away from the Octagon for at least three months. McGregor, who spoke in the cage at Bellator Dublin Saturday and backstage with Severe MMA, an Irish media outlet, said a new date for his return, ideally against Chandler, should be revealed soon.

Conor McGregor Credits UFC For Understanding His Unforeseen Circumstances

"The UFC has been stellar,” McGregor said. “They’ve really gone above for me. I’m so grateful for that because I was in a dark place. Now, I’m all right. I’m coming. I’m all right. I’m getting there again. I’m ready to go again – soon enough. I’m just very appreciative of them assisting me. I’m sad for the fans that wanted the entertainment of the pay-per-view, of the press conference and the pay-per-view and the card and all. But look, it was just one of those damned things."

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McGregor said that compromising an injury would not be in his best interest. He revealed to Bellator color commentator Dan Hardy, without getting into specifics, that he has competed while injured before.

McGregor said he would Ideally like to fight in August or September. UFC CEO Dana White said at the post-fight press conference after the conclusion of UFC Saudi Arabia that he'd rather not comment until he confirms and assures McGregor is 100 percent healthy.

McGregor and Chandler competed opposite one another as TUF 31 coaches in the spring of 2023, but due to McGregor's injury, acting roles and USADA complications, the fight has still not happened. If McGregor steps into the Octagon, it will have been over three years since his last UFC fight, still seeking his first win since Jan. 2020.

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Zain Bando

ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99

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