MMA Knockout

UFC News: Conor McGregor Reveals Comeback Plans: ‘I’m Gonna Test Myself’

The former UFC double champion intends to return to MMA in 2024.

Zain Bando

UFC News: Conor McGregor Reveals Comeback Plans: ‘I’m Gonna Test Myself’
UFC News: Conor McGregor Reveals Comeback Plans: ‘I’m Gonna Test Myself’ /

Conor McGregor has broken his silence regarding a potential return to the UFC for the first time in nearly three years.

McGregor, who last won an Octagon bout in Jan. 2020, is now itching a return to MMA after starring in “Road House,” which premieres March 21 on Amazon Prime Video.

Road House: New Look at Conor McGregor, Jake Gyllenhaal In UFC Hollywood "Chaos"

Speaking to The Mac Life, McGregor mapped out his plans for a successful return to action.

“I’m wrapping up this tour,” McGregor said. “I’m gonna get back and regroup. I’m gonna test myself physical wise… and get myself right back [into camp].”

McGregor said he had been training in anticipation of competing in 2023 in August and December. Neither of those months came to fruition, as the 35-year-old Irish native was still left on the proverbial shelf without an opponent.

Conor McGregor Opens up on the Thrill of Joining the UFC

“I had a camp in Cannes,” McGregor added. “I had a camp in Dubai where I was hoping for a December date, then a January date. Then it keeps getting pushed back, then I lose interest and stop full training for a while.”

At press time, the UFC has mainly remained silent regarding the situation. McGregor served as a coach on TUF 31, opposite Michael Chandler last May. The pair had teased a fight at the season’s end, but again, it never materialized due to timing, USADA and other non-fight endeavours.

Despite this, McGregor was a tested athlete before USADA and the UFC parted ways. "The Notorious" submitted three samples, as per the USADA website, and should have been looking at an April return if he followed the six-month rule for athletes returning from retirement.

All signs point to issues with scheduling and negotiations. Has the biggest star in MMA outgrown the UFC? It remains to be seen.

Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC, MMA, WWE, and AEW.

Follow MMA Knockout on Twitter and Facebook.

Published
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

Home/UFC