'It will be 2025': Conor McGregor stuck in UFC limbo but still aiming for Michael Chandler fight
Updated . First published at
Conor McGregor has confirmed he won't fight until next year, with the UFC superstar stuck in limbo after a bold call from touted opponent Michael Chandler.
The pair were meant to square off in June, but the bout was called off after McGregor suffered a broken toe during his training camp.
Since then, it has been a complete mystery as to when the Irish legend will step back into the octagon, with UFC boss Dana White pushing for an early-2025 date.
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In an interview with DAZN's Ariel Helwani, the former two-division champion admitted the decision from Chandler to take a match-up against the dangerous Charles Oliveira at November's UFC 309 event has left him on the back-burner.
Conor McGregor in attendance for Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois. Getty
"It will be 2025," McGregor said after attending a boxing event at Wembley Stadium.
"We'll see, my opponent that I had scheduled has got matched. It is what it is, I just take it on board and rock on. My job is to just go to the gym and be in shape.
"One thing is for sure, whenever it is and wherever it is, I will be 100 per cent ready and that's all I can focus on right now."
McGregor (22-6) hasn't fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, meaning he will have been out of the cage for almost four years by the time he returns.
Conor McGregor clutches at his broken leg in 2021. AP
The 36-year-old is still holding out hope for a clash with Chandler but acknowledged the upcoming bout against Oliveira could change the direction.
"It does not matter, as long as I can get back," he said.
"I'd like it to be Chandler, I'd like to get that one squared away and I wish him well against Oliveria ... let's see how it goes."
McGregor has two fights left on his UFC contract and what lies ahead remains unclear.
"I don't even know, I don't think anyone in the space knows," he said.
"I'm the highest-generating fighter on planet Earth right now. Whatever happens afterwards when I'm a free agent, I'm not so sure."
