Conor McGregor will make UFC's return in "early 2023" as his recovery from a broken leg is taking longer than expected

CONOR MCGREGOR will not return to the octagon before 'early 2023.

McGregor, 33 years old, seemed to be on track for an autumn return after a faster than expected recovery from his horrific broken leg last July.

Ariel Helwani (mixed martial arts reporter) says that The Notorious is less likely to be back in the cage in February or March.

During a recent episode on The MMA Hour, he stated: "Last heard, Conor could return February, March or so.

It doesn't seem like he will be returning in 2022. Now, you have a man who hasn’t fought since July of last year.

"He's [Nate Diaz] going to wait a year and a half for a dude who, obviously, he knows he will make money fighting him but does he really want to sit around in his prime when he can be as popular as possible, for this fight?"

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"What if Conor comes back, stumbles and gets hurt again?" There are many possible outcomes.

"There is no guarantee that he will be back tomorrow, next month or the month after that. The last time I heard of him was in early 2023.

"There is no rush, because he's returning from such a serious and gruesome injury.

McGregor stated last month that he has yet to be given medical clearance to kick with his left leg.

UFC's poster child said, "The body is doing well." My entire team is with me.

"Obviously, I enjoy the Monaco Grand Prix. Then after that, we're going up the training.

"I should now be able kick, I have another CT scan within the next days and then I will be clear to kick.

"Once you can kick and grapple, I'll be back in no matter what."

"Boxing training is going great, strength training and that's it. "I'm eager to be back."

McGregor is currently on a two-fight skid after suffering back-to-back defeats to Dustin Poirier last summer.

In recent months, a variety of fighters have called out the Irishman, including Michael Chandler, a fan favorite.

UFC chief Dana White says he is a fan. He told TMZ that he likes the lightweight match-up and said, "I really like Chandler vs. Conor" after Chandler's last fight.

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People say I'm too tall to wear a bikini, but that doesn't stop me.

"There are many fights to be had. It's not clear if it's the one.

"We'll be able to see the landscape when Conor returns."