Conor McGregor's return to the UFC, eagerly awaited by fans and pundits alike, is now facing an unexpected delay, with initial hopes for an April comeback giving way to a potential summertime return, as disclosed by his longtime coach, John Kavanagh of SBG Ireland.
In a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Kavanagh expressed the team's disappointment, stating, "We were hoping for April. That was the hope. That was what we were told. And now it seems to be the summertime." The coach shed light on the uncertainty surrounding the shift in timeline, admitting they were engaged in discussions about it.
McGregor had previously hinted at an April return during an interview in late October, where he voiced frustration over his prolonged absence since July 2021. The former two-division UFC champion officially re-entered the UFC's drug-testing pool on October 8, making him eligible to compete again on April 8, 2024, per USADA rules.
Despite submitting his first drug tests since rejoining the program, McGregor and his team received unexpected news about the delay, leaving them "very frustrated," according to Kavanagh. The coach questioned whether the UFC might be considering holding McGregor back for International Fight Week in July, a customary blockbuster event for the organization.
Kavanagh speculated that UFC officials may have deemed UFC 300 in April as a significant enough event without McGregor's presence on the pay-per-view. While expressing concerns about the mental health impact of the prolonged wait on McGregor, Kavanagh noted the fighter's resilience and commitment to training.
"Well, I was [worried about his mental health] too, I’m not going to lie. But hearing him today, he’s out there finding this great group of training partners — at least he’s doing that," said Kavanagh.
Despite the setback, Kavanagh remains hopeful that the UFC might reconsider and stick to the initially planned April date. If that were to happen, McGregor could potentially eye a second fight in 2024, health permitting. Kavanagh mentioned Michael Chandler at 170 pounds as the expected next matchup and confirmed McGregor's full recovery from his previous leg injury.
Chandler's representatives, responding to the uncertainty, indicated that they are keeping an eye on the UFC's plans for the fight, with Chandler staying prepared to compete.
In the end, if April becomes unfeasible, Kavanagh emphasized the team's adaptability, stating, "What good does worry do me? ... What will be will be. Today’s great. ... For me to live in seven months’ time, I can’t do it."