Conor McGregor set not to fight in UFC again THIS YEAR with comeback delayed until 2023 after horror leg injury

CONOR McGREGOR is unlikely to make a UFC comeback this year as he continues to recover from his horror leg injury.

The Irishman, 33, has been out of the octagon since last July’s defeat against Dustin Poirier.

McGregor suffered a horror leg break in the battle, and saw his professional MMA record slip to 22-6.

It was reckoned Notorious was on the hunt for a new opponent to fight this year, with several big names mentioned.

However, Ariel Helwani claims McGregor is probably not going to fight in 2022.

UFC fans are instead more likely to see him in the first few months of 2023.

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But should things change and McGregor can secure a fight this year, the earliest it will take place is November.

Helwani said: “We all know Conor McGregor would be the UFC’s top choice to fight Nate Diaz.

“But the latest I was told was he may not even fight this year after all.

“Maybe the first quarter of 2023. I always said no sooner than November, anyway.”

A trilogy fight against Diaz has long been rumoured for McGregor.

But the American is not interested as he has just one bout remaining on his UFC contract.

Diaz said: “I’ve been trying to fight everybody and no go, what’s the hold-up UFC?

“I’m not fighting Conor he sucks. I’ll fight someone, quit slow-rolling me please, thanks.”

Also in the frame are Khamzat Chimaev and fellow octagon ace Michael Chiesa.

Meanwhile, YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul has made no secret of his disdain for McGregor.

But UFC expert Chael Sonnen believes McGregor could end up making his comeback against New Zealander Dan Hooker, who has returned to lightweight after fighting at 145 pounds.

Sonnen declared: “In the business side of your career there are times where you’re going to take big risks, but then you must learn from them.

“Hooker is a 55-pounder. What’s going to be next for him? Let’s just give that a minute.

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“We just got this information that the former number five guy in the world is returning to the division.

“I will share with you a little inside scoop. I do know that Hooker’s name is on the shortlist of possible opponents for McGregor’s return.”