Tag: Conor McGregor

‘You Can’t Really Say Anything Negative About Him’ – Dan Hardy Sticks Up For Conor McGregor After UFC 303 Drama

Conor McGregor has fought through injuries throughout his career and had never pulled out of a scheduled matchup until UFC 303. While past opponents and some rivals have taken sly digs at the Irishman, others have recognized the risks of fighting with a broken toe. By the time McGregor returns, he’d have been out of […]

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Conor McGregor has fought through injuries throughout his career and had never pulled out of a scheduled matchup until UFC 303. While past opponents and some rivals have taken sly digs at the Irishman, others have recognized the risks of fighting with a broken toe.

By the time McGregor returns, he’d have been out of the Octagon for over three years. The former two-division champion lost three out of his last four fights, and it is hard to see the win over Cerrone as a feather in his cap.

Naturally, “The Notorious” aims to be fully prepared for his return. Getting back in the win column will instantly open up a ton of exciting fights for the Dubliner.

For now, though, plenty of focus remains on McGregor’s decision to pull out of UFC 303. But Dan Hardy has a different view to many critics when it comes to the UFC 303 drama and McGregor’s injury…

Hardy Claims Conor McGregor Respects Michael Chandler Enough Not To Fight Him With A Broken Toe

Hardy recently appeared on the From The Stands YouTube channel and talked about the postponed fight between McGregor and Chandler.

The former UFC welterweight title challenger instantly pointed out that the McGregor we’ve long known would never pull out of a fight that he thinks is winnable despite an injury.

“We know what Conor’s like, he’s not going to pull out of a fight that he feels like he can win, even if he is injured. I think this shows that he’s got a lot of respect for Michael Chandler and he knows that he needs to be on his A game because, I mean, he wants to get back on track, right? He wants to be back in the win column.”

”The Outlaw” also reviewed the importance of toes for McGregor to make the most of his wide striking stance.

“What we know about McGregor is that, you know, he is, you know, he’s very much about footwork, especially the best versions of McGregor, (it) requires him to be mobile. And he’s got a long stance, which means he uses the big toe and the little toe just as much as one another to keep himself mobile.”

McGregor mostly gained acclaim for his consistency and willingness to fight during his rise to stardom. In contrast, he now has everything he ever wanted from the sport. On top of that, losing three fights in a row will naturally hurt his brand.

“You know, you can’t really say anything negative about him because we know that (he) would take fights on short notice if you felt capable of competing. And I really want the best version of McGregor because ultimately we might be counting on one hand the amount of times we see him fight again.”

All these factors compel Hardy to side with McGregor for taking his time leading into the Chandler fight.

Continue Reading ‘You Can’t Really Say Anything Negative About Him’ – Dan Hardy Sticks Up For Conor McGregor After UFC 303 Drama at MMA News.

UFC caller Jon Anik backs Conor McGregor to fight this year: ‘I know it sounds ridiculous and ambitious’

Jon Anik backs Conor McGregor to make UFC return this year I know it sounds ridiculousDespite his exit from a scheduled return to action last weekend at UFC 303, former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor…

Jon Anik backs Conor McGregor to make UFC return this year I know it sounds ridiculous

Despite his exit from a scheduled return to action last weekend at UFC 303, former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor has received backing from play-by-play lead, Jon Anik to compete not just this year – but twice in the space of eight months.

Slated to make his return to action late last month, McGregor was scheduled to take on former lightweight title challenger, Michael Chandler at the welterweight limit, atop International Fight Week’s huge UFC 303 card.

Conor McGregor admits deep mental pain after missing UFC 303 return fight
Mandatory Credit: Jose Penuela

However, in the weeks’ ahead of the bout, McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight gold holder, confirmed his withdrawal from the matchup, citing a fractured toe on his left foot.

And hopeful of making a return to action as soon as August – if not September, following a recent offer to fight at the Las Vegas Sphere at UFC 306 by the previously mentioned, Chandler, McGregor’s comeback has been put in doubt this year by promotional boss, Dana White – who claimed the organization’s schedule was laid-out already.

Conor McGregor plans August return to UFC amid toe injury layoff I can't get into a shoe yet
Mandatory Credit: Jose Penuela

Jon Anik confident of Conor McGregor return this annum

According to fan-favorite play-by-play lead, Anik, however, he remains confident McGregor competes before the end of this annum, and furthermore, fights twice in eight months.

Conor UFC 1 1

“I’ve been waxing optimistic on Conor (McGregor) for a long time,” Jon Anik told MMA Junkie. “I fully expect him to compete in 2024, to come back at a high-level. Fight twice in eight months – I know it sounds ridiculous and super ambitious to some people, but I just know the mixed martial arts athlete is in there, and I just remain hopeful that he’s going to come back and make more of an impact that anyone expects that he will.”

“I messaged Conor after UFC 300 and I said, ‘Only thing bigger than 300 is McGregor versus anybody,’” Anik explained. “So, the biggest thing we can do is have a Conor McGregor-led pay-per-view. …”

Do you expect to see Conor McGregor make his comeback to fighting this year?

Nate Diaz Doubles Down On Support For Conor McGregor Following UFC 303 Pullout: ‘Lost His Last Fight Because He Went In There Like A G & Was Hurt…’

When Conor McGregor announced the reason for his long awaited return at UFC 303 being pushed back, he received a lot of negativity. “The Notorious” made the call to delay his comeback fight after breaking his toe in training because after being out for so long, he wanted to step back inside the Octagon at […]

Continue Reading Nate Diaz Doubles Down On Support For Conor McGregor Following UFC 303 Pullout: ‘Lost His Last Fight Because He Went In There Like A G & Was Hurt…’ at MMA News.

When Conor McGregor announced the reason for his long awaited return at UFC 303 being pushed back, he received a lot of negativity.

“The Notorious” made the call to delay his comeback fight after breaking his toe in training because after being out for so long, he wanted to step back inside the Octagon at 100%.

A new date has not been provided yet for when he hopes to fight again and whether or not it will still be against Michael Chandler.

Despite their long-running rivalry with each other that produced two of the most iconic fights in the history of the sport, Nate Diaz has McGregor’s back on this one.

Nate Diaz Commends Conor McGregor For Making The Decision To Postpone His Comeback

During an interview with MMA legend Demetrious Johnson on The MightyCast, Diaz said that he actually supports McGregor’s decision to postpone the fight.

The Stockton fighter believes that this shows the Irishman’s experience and learning over the years – which is something Diaz has also noticed in his own career regarding fighting injured.

“That’s experience, you know, he was f***** up when he fought his last fight and I’ve been f***** up in hella fights and I don’t want to like to cry about it afterwards ‘cuz your a** shouldn’t have came to fight if you was f***** up, that’s how I think about it.”

Diaz made a clear distinction between the fact that McGregor didn’t cancel the fight but called for it to be pushed back, and commended him for making that call.

He reflected on how he found himself in a similar position ahead of his fight with Leon Edwards which was moved to the following month’s event at UFC 263, after he suffered a cut in training that he nearly decided to fight through.

Diaz also referenced how McGregor’s injury, which was a big reason why he was inactive for so long, came at UFC 264 because he went into the fight already compromised which further supports his decision to delay the return.

“So now, before you just jump to conclusions and start being like, ‘He’s hurt, f****** p****’ it’s like bro, he lost his last fight because he went in there like a G and he was hurt and he f***** himself up, you know what I’m saying. That being a part of it, he shouldn’t have showed up though but now he knows. So it’s like when people are like, ‘wah’, I’m like why don’t you just shut up and sit down?”

Continue Reading Nate Diaz Doubles Down On Support For Conor McGregor Following UFC 303 Pullout: ‘Lost His Last Fight Because He Went In There Like A G & Was Hurt…’ at MMA News.

Ex-UFC champ Rafael dos Anjos absolutely shreds Michael Chandler on social media amid title rumors

Ex-UFC champion Rafael dos Anjos absolutely shreds Michael Chandler on X amid title talksRafael dos Anjos has grown tired of Michael Chandler’s “see you at the top” mantra that often accompanies the…

Ex-UFC champion Rafael dos Anjos absolutely shreds Michael Chandler on X amid title talks

Rafael dos Anjos has grown tired of Michael Chandler’s “see you at the top” mantra that often accompanies the former Bellator MMA champion’s social media posts.

It’s been nearly two years since we last saw Chandler step inside the Octagon at UFC 281, suffering a third-round rear-naked choke submission at the hands of Dustin Poirier. With the loss, ‘Iron’ fell to 2-3 inside the Octagon. Still, Chandler remains one of the promotion’s top stars courtesy of his balls-to-the-wall style that has delivered a slew of absolute barnburners against the likes of Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Tony Ferguson.

Currently, Chandler is sitting on the sidelines waiting for Conor McGregor to heal up from a toe injury before rebooking their long-awaited clash inside the Octagon. No official announcements have been made regarding a rescheduled date, but Chandler revealed on X that he had been offered a fight with reigning lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev in October when the promotion heads back to Abu Dhabi — should McGregor not be ready by then.

However, Chandler made it clear that a fight with the Irish megastar would take precedence over fighting for the belt.

Rafael dos Anjos

“I’ve been offered @MAKHACHEVMMA in October – but if @TheNotoriousMMA little pinky toe is ready by Sept, let’s do sphere,” Chandler wrote. “Biggest sporting event in history of sports!!!!”

That didn’t sit well with dos Anjos, who suggested that Chandler discontinue his “see you at the top” branding if he’s not actually striving to make it there.

Rafael dos Anjos

“How much is the opportunity to become a world champion worth? For some of us, there is no price on an UFC belt,” dos Anjos posted. “Mine is certainly not for sale. Chandler should stop his “see you at the top” motivational speeches. It’s embarrassing…”

Chandler responds before getting absolutely shredded by rafael dos anjos

Chandler responded to the jibe from RDA in short order, hitting the former 155-pound champ with his new favorite catchphrase.

Rafael dos Anjos

“Cool story….See you at the top!!!!” Chandler responded.

Dos Anjos snapped back in short order, reminding ‘Iron’ just who the hell he’s talking to.

Rafael dos Anjos

“I’ve been up here buddy, haven’t seen you yet,” RDA added.

Clearly, there is no love lost between the two well-respected veterans. Perhaps one day they can settle their differences inside the Octagon.

Conor McGregor ‘Excited’ to Land New Fight Date for UFC Return After Toe Injury

After a broken toe forced him to withdraw from the main event of UFC 303, Conor McGregor is looking forward to his eventual return to the Octagon. McGregor…

After a broken toe forced him to withdraw from the main event of UFC 303, Conor McGregor is looking forward to his eventual return to the Octagon. McGregor…

Conor McGregor takes inspiration from Alex Pereira’s win at UFC 303: ‘Excited to secure my new date’

Conor McGregor takes inspiration from Alex Pereira's win at UFC 303 excited to secure my new dateHaving missed out on his scheduled return at UFC 303 in place of a stunning performance from Alex Pereira,…

Conor McGregor takes inspiration from Alex Pereira's win at UFC 303 excited to secure my new date

Having missed out on his scheduled return at UFC 303 in place of a stunning performance from Alex Pereira, ex-champion, Conor McGregor has taken inspiration from the Brazilian as he plots a new timeframe for his own comeback to the Octagon.

Himself slated to headline the International FIght Week card over the course of last weekend, former two-weight champion, McGregor fractured a toe on his left foot in weeks ahead of the pairing, forcing him to scrap a slated welterweight fight against Michael Chandler.

conor jose penuela

The Dubliner’s latest injury setback now extends his hiatus from the Octagon to over three years, most recently featuring at UFC 264 against Dustin Poirier, on that occasion fracturing his left tibia and fibula in an opening round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss. 

Conor McGregor talks up chances of landing new return date

Vowing to return as soon as September, despite claims from UFC CEO, Dana White how the promotion’s scheduled is already mapped out for the remainder of the year, McGegor remains steadfast on landing his new date – tipping his hat to Pereira after the Brazilian defended his injury withdrawal.

Conor Chris Unger UFC 264

“Real recognise real,” Conor McGregor tweeted. “Excited to secure my new date.”

While the former duel-weight champion has sights on a new date with Chandler, the Missouri veteran stunningly claimed overnight how he was offered an October title fight with Islam Makhachev at UFC 308, issuing an ultimatum to McGregor subsequently. 

chandler ufc 274 1

Eyeing a massive showdown at the promotion’s Las Vegas Sphere in September atop UFC 307, Chandler claimed if the former’s injury was in his rearview mirror by then, he would entertain a rescheduled fight with the Crumlin striker. 

Do you still think Conor McGregor will fight Michael Chandler later this year?