"I deserve my fight date" - Conor McGregor itches for a return as he shares clean test result
Conor McGregor is eager to make his highly anticipated return to the octagon. The UFC star has been vocal about his desire to fight following a lengthy hiatus since his TKO loss and leg injury against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
UFC CEO Dana White recently projected an early 2025 return for McGregor, despite the Irishman's hopes for a December matchup against Michael Chandler at UFC 303. Even McGregor’s coach, John Kavanagh, believes his fighter is already in shape and ready to return to action. Kavanagh noted that they have been training remotely while McGregor visits breweries for his business endeavors.
That being said, Chandler has been booked for a rematch against Charles Oliveira at UFC 309. The mounting frustration from McGregor, who reportedly has two fights left on his UFC contract is evident. He even hinted at exploring boxing opportunities in the past to get back to competing.
Most recently he took to X to claim that he's the most tested fighter on the UFC roster and deserves a fight date. He also attached a screenshot of an email from UFC's anti-doping body Drug Free Sport International and wrote:
"Most tested athlete on the @ufc roster x2. I deserve my fight date! #CleanAthlete"
The email from Drug Free Sport International read:
"Dear Conor McGregor, We are pleased to inform you that sample number E004244, that you provided on 13 September 2024, returned a NEGATIVE result from the lab. Thank you for your contribution to supporting a clean UFC."
Check out the X post below:
![Conor McGregor wants to get back in action [Images courtesy: @TheNotoriousMMA on X]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/09/55e7d-17271753004362-1920.jpg?w=500)
Conor McGregor's coach reveals the Irishman will return to action in 2025
UFC star Conor McGregor hasn't fought since July 2021 and hasn't won a fight in over four years. While he has managed to build thriving businesses outside the octagon and has taken over as a part owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), competing inside the octagon remains the driving force behind his ambitions.
McGregor, who has trained with John Kavanagh throughout his professional MMA career, is eager to return to action in early 2025. Kavanagh confirmed the potential timeline in an interview with the New York Post and said:
"Conor McGregor will fight next year, early 2025. He’s had so much time off, as far as the hunger, he’s a very wealthy guy. We’ll find out when he comes back, but he is definitely one of the big superstars of the sport that elevated the UFC all throughout Europe and other parts of the world.” [H/t: MMA Junkie]