Former UFC Star Calls Conor McGregor An “Addict,” Claims The Ultimate Fighter May Face Difficulties To Make A Comeback
Conor McGregor has crushed so many goals in his career that it’s like a dream come true. From being a double-weight champ to bagging millions from a single fight, ‘The Notorious’ has hit major milestones. Now, he is teasing a comeback, and fans’ hopes of seeing him back in the octagon are starting to fade. Recently, a former UFC fighter explained why he believes McGregor will likely never fight Michael Chandler in the octagon.
The Irish fighter is undeniably rich and famous, and he is not shy about flaunting his wealth on social media. UFC star Ben Askren believes that McGregor’s lavish lifestyle, including constant partying and infrequent appearances at training camps, is the main reason why the highly anticipated fight hasn’t happened yet. In a video, Askren stated:
“It’s pretty obvious to me that Conor McGregor is an addict. And he is rich enough that it doesn’t really have a hugely negative impact on his life. Everyone kind of lets him do what he wants to do, but this guy clearly is out partying and can’t show up for training camp. There’s videos of him partying constantly.”
Askren also noted that not fighting won’t affect McGregor’s lavish lifestyle. However, fans are always eager for ‘The Notorious’ to return to the octagon. He was originally set to make his highly anticipated comeback at UFC 303 against Chandler but had to pull out at the last moment due to a toe injury. Now, the excitement surrounding his return is fading, as McGregor shows no signs of making a comeback. Recently, another UFC legend also commented that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for the Irish fighter to stage a return.
Chael Sonnen Loses Hope for Conor McGregor’s Return to the Octagon
Former UFC star Ben Askren previously noted that McGregor’s partying and lavish lifestyle could be the main factors keeping him out of the UFC. Additionally, Sonnen observed McGregor’s apparent lack of interest in training camps, leading him to doubt whether McGregor will ever return to the octagon. Speaking on “Good Guy/Bad Guy,” Sonnen said.
“I don’t know what to make of Conor. We’re looking foolish at this point by continuing to act as though he’s going to come back”
The UFC icon also remarked that when McGregor suffered a severe injury in his fight against Poirier, it seemed doubtful he would return. Additionally, his planned opponent, Michael Chandler, has now secured a fight with Charles Oliveira, leaving McGregor without a new matchup. With no confirmed return date, it remains uncertain when, where, or at which PPV event McGregor will make his return.
UFC Veteran Highly Doubts The Chances Of Conor McGregor Returning
Conor McGregor
Currently, the biggest question in the UFC is whether Conor McGregor will return. For two years, fans have been following his training videos that hint at a comeback, but each time, plans seem to fall apart and fights never happen. Meanwhile, UFC veteran Chael Sonnen has dampened the hopes of Michael Chandler, who has been waiting to fight for 2 years, and fans by expressing doubt that McGregor will ever return to the Octagon.
Sonnen is known for his wild theories and always presents them with conviction. Meanwhile, with Chandler booked to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, hopes for McGregor’s return have faded further due to the ongoing speculation. Despite this, Chandler remains optimistic that McGregor will come back. However, it appears that Sonnen isn’t convinced at all.
In his words, “Michael Chandler is confident that Conor McGregor will return, I’m not. Conor McGregor, the night he was broken in half and had to be carried out of the ring against Dustin Poirier, it was very unlikely he would return. To make things worse, he sells a whiskey company for an unbelievable sum of money. And he finds himself in the movie business.”
Chael Sonnen further noted that retirement brings the difficult task of determining how to fill one’s time. He highlighted that being a UFC fighter is relatively easy, as the organization manages many logistics, like travel arrangements.
Conor McGregor Says He’ll Return in 2025
Recently, Dana White, after repeatedly fielding questions about when The Irishman will make his return, finally revealed that it will be in the first half of 2025. Meanwhile, at the Joshua-Dubois event in London, ‘The Notorious’ nodded in agreement with the UFC boss and announced that he won’t be competing in the octagon this year. Instead, he is looking forward to making his comeback in 2025.
He stated, “It will be in 2025…[Michael Chandler] got re-matched. It is what it is… Whenever [my return] is and wherever it is, I will be 100 percent ready… It does not matter [who I fight]. As long as I can get back.”
Despite doubts from Sonnen and others about his return, McGregor has assured fans that he will return to the octagon. The Irish superstar has stated Chandler will be his next potential opponent. He extended his best wishes to ‘Iron’ for his fight against Oliveira and expressed interest in rescheduling their bout. It looks like Chandler won’t be left without an opportunity, and the anticipation may pay off for both athletes.
