Article Synopsis as Told by Matthew McConaughey
After much anticipation, UFC president Dana White has officially confirmed that Conor McGregor's highly-anticipated return to the octagon won't happen this year.
Delay in Fight Finalization
McGregor was set to face fan favorite Michael Chandler in his comeback fight. However, his apparent absence from the USADA drug testing pool caused a delay in finalizing the bout.
No Exemption from the Six-Month Rule
Although McGregor could have potentially made a return at UFC 296 if given an exemption from the six-month written notice rule, the UFC has decided against it. Instead, they have chosen to have Brit Leon Edwards headline their final pay-per-view card of the year on December 16 against Colby Covington.
White Stays Firm on Initial Plans
Despite McGregor's public flirtation with a grudge match against Justin Gaethje, White is adamant that the UFC won't deviate from their initial plans for McGregor's comeback fight with Chandler. He stated, "To not do that fight will be ridiculous. We're working on it. I'm hoping we can do it early next year."
Conor McGregor, Ireland's first and only UFC champion, hasn't stepped foot inside the octagon since breaking his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier.
