When Will Conor McGregor Fight Again?

The answer to that question isn’t an easy one.

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When will Conor McGregor fight again?

Better yet, will Conor McGregor fight again?

All signs point to McGregor fighting Michael Chandler at the conclusion of The Ultimate Fighter. But, of course, the pertinent question is when that will actually happen.

McGregor last competed in July 2021 against Dustin Poirier. He lost that fight due to doctor stoppage after breaking his tibia in the opening round. Since then, he has operated outside of the USADA testing pool, which was never an issue because he was not actively competing. But that changes now that he wants to step in the cage again.

The most influential man in MMA, McGregor was not allowed any exemptions from USADA. Once he reenters the pool, he will be subject to testing for at least six months. Under the UFC Anti-Doping Program, he must provide at least two negative samples before he is allowed to compete.

Permitting that timeline goes according to plan, the McGregor-Chandler bout could take place in December. There would be no more spectacular way for the UFC to close out the year than with McGregor, especially considering this would (likely) follow the Madison Square Garden showdown pitting Jon Jones against Stipe Miocic in November.

While there are few certainties with McGregor, his involvement in The Ultimate Fighter is as close to a guarantee as possible that he will fight again. The new season premieres next week, and it is the first time the show will air on ESPN. It should make entertaining television—it is built around prospects vs. veterans—and it needs to end with McGregor and Chandler preparing for their yet-to-be-determined date in the cage.

Dana White and Francis Ngannou highlights the divide between the two

This past weekend’s public airing of grievances between Dana White and Francis Ngannou reinforces the argument that the two were simply too far removed to sign a new deal.

It all started during the post–UFC Fight Night presser Saturday night. White was asked for his opinion on Ngannou signing a lucrative contract with the PFL, and he obliged, filling every writer’s notebook with succulent quote after quote.

“It makes no sense to me,” said White. “You’re going to pay a guy not to fight for a year?”

Dana White talks Francis Ngannou.#UFC pic.twitter.com/DlNx1BtgSy

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) May 21, 2023

White also said Ngannou refuses to take risks, a point Ngannou with which vehemently disagreed. He did make some valid points, particularly how the PFL may not stand to make any money in Ngannou’s foray into boxing—and how the Ngannou boxing bout will not measure up against what happened in the blockbuster money-making McGregor—Floyd Mayweather boxing bout. White also noted that Jon Jones would likely defeat Ngannou if they fight, a statement I agree with—especially considering Jones’s ground game is so strong.

White expressed how the PFL’s business strategy made no sense to him, particularly if they purchase Bellator, which is an opinion to which he is entitled. I disagree that PFL and Bellator don’t sell tickets. And there is considerable room for growth for different MMA promotions, especially if the PFL and Bellator—which have a strong foothold in select markets—work together.

Ngannou responded Sunday on social media, making valid points of his own. Clearly, White’s “no risk” argument bothered Ngannou, and he countered by stating that he made his title defense against Ciryl Gane while battling with serious injuries. Ngannou also shed some light onto his old UFC contract, offering a different perspective to the story than White shared.

What is your problem with me?

1. I completed my contract, was a free agent, and chose to walk away. you didn’t release me

2. I hate taking risks? that’s why I defended my title to fulfill my contract with no acl or mcl?

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) May 21, 2023

The disconnect further cemented the disconnect between White and Ngannou. It is no surprise that Ngannou is no longer with UFC. Ultimately, he found a better home for his talents in the PFL.

The bottom line is White doesn’t need Ngannou in the UFC. Jon Jones is the heavyweight champion, where he is deftly promoted as an undefeated, unstoppable force. With or without Ngannou, the UFC will continue printing money. But PFL needs Ngannou to extend their reach globally, which is why he was able to secure such an advantageous contract—one that, no doubt, fighters in the UFC will pay close attention to during contract negotiations (and certainly seized White’s attention).

In this case, there can be room for one more than one winner. That is what happened here. The UFC will continue to be the dominant force in the sport, but Ngannou’s contract is an absolute game-changer for fighters—and it gives the PFL the exact type of fighter it desperately needs.

Mackenzie Dern puts forth dominating performance against Angela Hill

Mackenzie Dern defeated Angela Hill by unanimous decision Saturday, closing out UFC Fight Night with a solid victory.

Dern (13–3) did exactly what she was supposed to do in that fight. She ended her two-fight losing streak, as well as snapped Hill’s two-fight win streak. Dern was aggressive and controlled the fight’s tempo and pace, but again, that is precisely what she should be doing against lower-ranked opponents.

Hill (15–13) sits just above the .500 mark, and she entered this bout ranked 14th in the strawweight division. Dern sits at eight, and she is fighting her way back into the top five. To do that, she will need a victory against someone who resides in the upper echelon of the division.

After the fight, Dern said she would love a chance to test her skills against Rose Namajunas. That is the type of fight she needs. If Dern can defeat Namajunas, which will be incredibly difficult to do, then she will prove worthy of a top spot in the division—and a title shot.

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.