HIGHLIGHTS
- Since more than a year ago, USADA has not tested Conor McGregor.
- Before a fight, he will have to wait six months before returning to the UFC drug testing pool.
- McGregor intends to come back the next year, although April seems to be the earliest possible time.
- It would be interesting to see which division he joins after gaining so much weight.
John Kavanagh, the head coach of SBG Dublin, is optimistic about Conor McGregor’s comeback to the UFC this year. Kavanagh provided some updates on his superstar fighter’s near-term professional aspirations on Monday’s broadcast of The MMA Hour.
Conor McGregor as Head Coach
Conor McGregor, one of the best UFC athletes, has a 22-6 professional MMA record and a knack for thrilling the crowd. McGregor’s career, though, hasn’t been doing well lately.
Since 2018, the former dual-weight champion has only won one of his four fights. In his final match in 2021, he also had a leg injury that ended his career. ‘The Notorious’ has remained dormant ever since. He has since fully healed, though.
The MMA scene has a huge fan base for the Irish superstar. His supporters are eager to see him perform once more as a result. Since returning to training after his recovery, “The Notorious” has left many of his fans wondering when the UFC superstar will make a comeback.
Conor McGregor: Will He Return in 2023?
The Notorious began his formal MMA training in 2022. Interestingly, the former lightweight champion was even improving his wrestling techniques as witnessed in the films from the previous year. His fans’ excitement has only grown as a result of this.
Although McGregor made several references to a UFC comeback last year, he remained quiet on the specific date or his opponent. The Irishman has left the USADA testing pool, and an athlete must have been a part of the testing pool for at least six months to participate.
It’s interesting to note that ‘The Notorious’ has previously suggested he’ll start taking USADA tests in February 2023. Therefore, if he is honest, McGregor will be able to compete, and his return is expected for sometime in the fourth part of the year.
Possible competitors for “The Notorious”
McGregor has repeatedly suggested that he will return to the UFC. He has also named people he wants to fight when he comes back. They included Dustin Poirier’s opponent Charles Oliveira, a previous champion.
To become the first boxer to hold championships in three weight classes, he once stated his desire to compete against Kamaru Usman, the former welterweight champion. McGregor also discussed his trilogy with Nate Diaz, a former UFC fighter.
The past lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler, though, would be by far the most likely opponent for McGregor’s comeback. In what is regarded as one of the finest post-fight interviews, Chandler called the Irishman out and expressed interest in facing him.
The dynamic lightweight fighter “Iron” The former Bellator competitor has always kept his fans amused inside the cage, win or lose. He may thus be a suitable opponent for the Irish superstar upon his comeback.
