Conor McGregor perplexed by UFC status after losing Michael Chandler

Conor McGregor seems not sure of what’s occurring along with his relationship with the UFC.

The previous two-division UFC champion says he’s been to return, however for no matter purpose, the promotion has not given him a battle date. In truth, he simply misplaced his anticipated opponent, Michael Chandler, to a rematch in opposition to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309.

In accordance with McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC), who just lately grew to become a part-owner in Naked Knuckle Combating Championship, he has been doing every part he’s purported to behind the scenes, together with frequent drug testing and coaching to organize for a return to motion. However because it stands, McGregor has no date or opponent.

“I obtained examined this night. I obtained examined as we speak by the Drug Free Sport company,” McGregor mentioned on the BKFC 66 post-event information convention. “I’m probably the most examined athlete on the roster by greater than twice the quantity. I consider I’m possibly examined 13 occasions, the quantity of seconds it took me to complete Jose Aldo. 13 occasions.

“Truly, humorous sufficient, Jose Aldo is No. 2 within the testing. I feel he’s been examined six occasions. So I’ve been examined greater than twice all these different athletes, but I battle to get a date. So, I’ve talked to Sheikh Turki (Alalshikh), and mentioned, ‘Sheikh Turki, are you able to help me right here?’”

In accordance with the UFC Anti-Doping on-line information testing historical past (final up to date on Sept. 13 at midday ET), McGregor has been examined 10 occasions in 2024. Aldo exhibits the identical quantity. Kayla Harrison is the one different fighter in double digits, additionally with 10 checks.

Whereas McGregor could have been off on his numbers, he’s really among the many most examined fighters on the roster.

The Irishman was scheduled to battle Chandler at UFC 303 in July, however the battle was scratched after he broke his toe.

Chandler sat on the sidelines for practically two years since his final bout whereas ready for McGregor. He lastly obtained fed up and determined to maneuver on to a rematch in opposition to Oliveira. Whereas McGregor initially issued a firey reply to the information on X (previously Twitter), his tone differed when talking candidly on the state of affairs, providing optimism concerning the future.

“So far as Chandler rematching Oliviera, I’m proud of the date,” McGregor mentioned. “It’s November. Possibly we will nonetheless do it after in the event that they’re not going to line me up out until possibly December, January, February – one in every of these dates. Possibly we will nonetheless do it.

“I’m simply out of the loop with it, you realize? All I can do is stick with it, doing what I’m doing. I check below the testing administration, I prepare every day, and that’s it. Let’s see what occurs. Hopefully, all of it involves fruition.”

McGregor seems to be caught in a holding sample. He believes every part is as much as par on his finish, however remains to be presently on the surface wanting in. With solely a few bouts remaining on his energetic UFC contract, the entrepreneurial athlete has his enterprise thoughts churning out concepts about the right way to proceed.

“I’ve two fights left on my UFC contract,” McGregor mentioned. “My opponent that I used to be scheduled to battle has rescheduled one other bout. I’d love possibly an exemption, or possibly a joint partnership, Naked Knuckle-UFC. Much like McGregor Sports activities and Leisure and Mayweather Promotions. Some kind of settlement the place we will get busy.

“I should be busy, and proper now I’m working to get there. So, let’s what occurs. Like I mentioned, I’ve two fights left on the contract, and it’s taking a minute, however you realize, persistence is among the most necessary expertise a human being can possess, research, study, and implement, and that’s the place I’m at proper now.”