Ariel Helwani stated that CONOR McGREGOR won't be returning to the UFC until 2023.
Since breaking his leg against Dustin Pourier last July, the Dubliner has been off-line.
Conor McGregor won't be returning to the ring before 2023
There has been much speculation about who McGregor will face next when he returns to the Octagon.
Ariel Helwani, however, slammed the notion that The Notorious would return next year while speaking on The MMAHour.
He stated that Conor could return February, March, or so, as he had just heard. It doesn't seem like he will be returning in 2022.
"So, now you have a man who hasn’t fought since July of last year."
READ MORE CONOR MCGREGOR
McGregor's longtime rival Nate Diaz is one of many potential opponents.
Both of the fights were huge box office successes for UFC.
Since their 2016 fight, they are locked at one win each. Fans have been talking up the possibility for a trio fight ever since.
Helwani, however, was skeptical about the wisdom of such a potential clash. He cited the many variables that must be negotiated before it could happen.
He said: "He's going to wait a year and a half for a dude who, obviously he knows that 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?"
"What if Conor comes back, stumbles and gets hurt again?"
"There are a million 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.
GIVE HIM A CHANCE
Conor McGregor is not the only fighter with whom Nate Diaz has been associated.
For one, he has been in a social media battle of words with Jorge Masvidal. Khamzat Chimaev suggested that he would like fight the Irishman.
Michael Chandler, who won the sensational KO over Tony Ferguson, believes he is the front runner for McGregor's fight.
This is a fight UFC legend Daniel Cormier believes will occur, but Tito Ortiz believes McGregor should be avoided.
MAC LIFE
Conor has been enjoying a high-life lifestyle while he recovers from his injury.
Recently, he flew to Dublin to celebrate the 41st birthday of his sister Erin. He was presented with a Rolex watch and a luxury Rolex watch.
After spending time in Monaco and the south of France with his family, he decided to make it happen.
He was also the guest of honor for Haas F1 at the Monaco Grand Prix. This was where he was photographed alongside Mick Schumacher, Kevin Magnussen, and others.
He also updated his fans during this time about his return to fighting.
McGregor declared BOXING his first love and vowed to return to the squared circle.
