Tag: The Ultimate Fighter 31

UFC star Conor McGregor vows to ‘Never retire’ from MMA ahead of Netflix documentary premiere

Conor McGregor vows to never retire from MMA ahead of his UFC returnFormer two-weight UFC champion, Conor McGregor has vowed to never call time on his professional mixed martial arts career ahead of his Octagon return – with the Dubliner gearing up for a welterweight comeback Michael Chandler. McGregor, 34, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined from […]

Conor McGregor vows to never retire from MMA ahead of his UFC return

Former two-weight UFC champion, Conor McGregor has vowed to never call time on his professional mixed martial arts career ahead of his Octagon return – with the Dubliner gearing up for a welterweight comeback Michael Chandler.

McGregor, 34, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined from active competition since headlining UFC 264 back in July 2021, suffering a fractured left tibia and fibula in a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to Dustin Poirier. 

The Crumlin native returned to Las Vegas, Nevada for the first time since suffering his leg injury two years ago back in February of this year, filming The Ultimate Fighter 31 as an opposing coach against the above-mentioned lightweight contender, Chandler. 

Conor McGregor admits he thought his career was over at UFC 264

Set to feature in the release of a new episodic documentary on Netflix, titled ‘McGregor Forever’ in May – McGregor claims he will never hang up his gloves from mixed martial arts, having claimed previously that he was under the impression his career was over after fracturing his leg against Poirier.

“I thought it was over, as well,” Conor McGregor said of his career during a snippet of ‘McGregor Forever’. “That’s why I flipped into a different mold. Now it’s the adrenaline as well, and I wouldn’t know –  I would have calmed down, and part of me’s thinking, ‘Jesus, imagine if it’s just been taken from me like that.’ I would go into – I would be a different person.”

As well as vowing never to call time on his professional career, Conor McGregor offered to rematch former undisputed featherweight champion, Max Holloway in the future.

Without a victory since January 20202, MCgregor managed to stop former lightweight ittle challenger, Donald Cerrone in a dominant, opening round 40-second knockout at the welterweight limit. 

Conor McGregor confirms UFC return, Michael Chandler fight happens ‘Sometime at the end of summer’

Conor McGregor confirms UFC return Michael Chandler fight happens end of summerFormer two-weight UFC champion, Conor McGregor has confirmed his long-awaited Octagon return and incoming fight with Michael Chandler, will occur before the conclusion of this summer. McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined from active competition since July 2021. Headlining UFC 264 in a trilogy […]

Conor McGregor confirms UFC return Michael Chandler fight happens end of summer

Former two-weight UFC champion, Conor McGregor has confirmed his long-awaited Octagon return and incoming fight with Michael Chandler, will occur before the conclusion of this summer.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined from active competition since July 2021.

Headlining UFC 264 in a trilogy rubber-match against Dustin Poirier, McGregor fractured his left tibia and fibula in a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss.

Earlier this year, the Dubliner finished filming on The Ultimate Fighter 31, alongside the aforenoted, Chandler, with the duo expected to fight at the welterweight limit before the close of 2023.

Conor McGregor confirms summer UFC return

Providing an update on his return to competition following last night’s boxing showdown between Gervonta Davis, and Ryan Garcia, Conor McGregor claimed he would be back before the end of this summer.

“Sometime end of summer – end of summer,” Conor McGregor said of his UFC return when questioned by InsideFighting. (H/T Chisanga Malata) 

Engaging in a dispute with anti-doping agency, USADA in recent weeks, McGregor claimed he would only need to provide two negative test samples in order to become eligible to fight under the UFC banner again, a claim which was denied.

With rumors linking the 34-year-old Crumlin striker with a potential exemption to compete by the UFC, McGregor has yet to return to the USADA testing pool since as of this weekend, nor submit a test sample to the agency.

Without a victory in his last two Octagon walks for the first time in his UFC stint, McGregor’s most recent win came in a 2020 knockout victory over Donald Cerrone at the welterweight limit to boot.

At the time of publication, an official location, venue, date, or event for McGregor’s expected return against Chandler has yet to he confirmed by the UFC.

Conor McGregor hits out at UFC foe Khabib Nurmagomedov: ‘He’s a fat b*tch with t*ts now

Conor McGregor credited with turning Khabib Nurmagomedov into megastar UFCFormer two-weight UFC champion, Conor McGregor, has once more targeted arch-rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov since the Russian’s retirement from MMA in 2020, labelling the former champion a a “fat b*tch with t*ts.”  McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined himself since headlining UFC 264 back in […]

Conor McGregor credited with turning Khabib Nurmagomedov into megastar UFC

Former two-weight UFC champion, Conor McGregor, has once more targeted arch-rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov since the Russian’s retirement from MMA in 2020, labelling the former champion a a “fat b*tch with t*ts.” 

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the UFC, has been sidelined himself since headlining UFC 264 back in July 2021.

Taking on former interim lightweight champion, Dustin Poirier in the pair’s trilogy rubber match, McGregor fractured his left tibia and fibula en route to a doctor’s stoppage TKO loss.

As for Khabib, the former undisputed lightweight champion, retired from active competition back in September 2020, after successfully unifying the lightweight titles in a submission win over Justin Gaethje. Khabib bowed out of the sport boasting a perfect 29-0 professional record.

Sharing one of the most intense and infamous rivalries in Octagon antiquity, Khabib and McGregor headlined UFC 229 back in October 2018 in a lightweight title fight, with the Russian landing a fourth round neck crank submission win over McGregor.

Campaigning continually since his loss for a rematch with Khabib, Conor McGregor has fired numerous barbs aimed at the Dagestan grappler, to no avail in search of a rematch, however.

Conor McGregor hits out at Khabib Nurmagomedov once again 

And in his latest attack aimed at the American Kickboxing Academy staple, McGregor made fun of Khabib’s wright gain since retirement.

“Khabib (Nurmagomedov) is a fat b*tch with t*ts now, lad,” Conor McGregor replied to a user on his official Twitter account.

Expected to make his Octagon return before the close of this year, McGregor, 34, is earmarked to fight #5 ranked lightweight, Michael Chandler at the welterweight limit.

Yet to submit a drug test sample to the USADA testing pool since the third quarter of 2021, the UFC have been backed to overlooked alleged PED use by the Dubliner for his fight against Chandler – an accusation made by UFC featherweight, Bryce Mitchell. 

UFC backed to overlook alleged PED use from Conor McGregor in return: ‘I think he’ll win on steroids’

UFC to overlook alleged PED use from Conor McGregor against Michael ChandlerUFC featherweight contender, Bryce Mitchell has backed the promotion to overlook alleged performance-enhancing drug-use from former two-division champion, Conor McGregor – who claims the Dubliner with fight and win against Michael Chandler, all whilst utilizing steroids.  McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the UFC, is expected to make his […]

UFC to overlook alleged PED use from Conor McGregor against Michael Chandler

UFC featherweight contender, Bryce Mitchell has backed the promotion to overlook alleged performance-enhancing drug-use from former two-division champion, Conor McGregor – who claims the Dubliner with fight and win against Michael Chandler, all whilst utilizing steroids. 

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the UFC, is expected to make his Octagon return later this year, taking on the above-mentioned, Chandler in a welterweight affair. 

Featuring against the one-time vacant lightweight title challenger on The Ultimate Fighter 31 earlier this year, Conor McGregor has been sidelined since he headlined UFC 264 back in July 2021, fracturing his left tibia and fibula in a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to common-opponent, Dustin Poirier. 

Engaging in a dispute with USADA recently, McGregor claimed all he needed to return to active competition was two negative drug test results, rather than a period of six-months in the anti-doping agency’s testing pool, to boot.

However, as a potential return edges closer, Conor McGregor released a couple of cryptic tweets on his official Twitter – writing “we’re in the pool” – as well as alluding to the announcement of a date for his fight with Chandler.

Conor McGregor has been slapped with accusations of PED use in his UFC absence

Despite USADA’s stance on the 34-year-old counter striker’s return, and the criteria he must meet if he does not pursue an exemption from the UFC, the above-mentioned, featherweight challenger, Mitchell claims the promotion will likely allow him to compete while using steroids.

“I think (Conor) McGregor is on steroids and I don’t think they (the UFC) are gonna test this properly – I think he’ll win [against Michael Chandler] on steroids,” Bryce Mitchell told James Lynch during a recent interview. “But if they test them, I think it’ll be a good fight. But if he’s on steroids – it’s still definitely – I’m going, I’m rooting for the American.” 

As for Mitchell, the Arkansas grappling ace recently saw a planned UFC 288 return against Jonathan Pearce scrapped, however, the former is expected to remain on the same card against Russian contender, Movsar Evloev in a short-notice, reworked clash. 

UFC star Conor McGregor passed over on rival Khabib Nurmagomedov’s list of ‘MMA GOATs’

Conor McGregor left off Khabib Nurmagomedov list of MMA GOATs UFC rivalryDespite capturing gold in two separate divisions under the banner of the UFC, former featherweight and lightweight champion, Conor McGregor has been overlooked by arch-rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov who compiled his own 20-man list of fighters who can be considered as “MMA GOATs”.  McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the […]

Conor McGregor left off Khabib Nurmagomedov list of MMA GOATs UFC rivalry

Despite capturing gold in two separate divisions under the banner of the UFC, former featherweight and lightweight champion, Conor McGregor has been overlooked by arch-rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov who compiled his own 20-man list of fighters who can be considered as “MMA GOATs”. 

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the Dana White-led UFC, headlined UFC 229 back in October 2018 in a lightweight title fight against Khabib, suffering a fourth round neck crank submission loss to the undefeated Russian as part of their infamous rivalry.

Most recently, however, McGregor suffered a fractured left tibia and fibula in a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to common-foe, Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

And despite his achievements in the sport, McGregor failed to earn a place on the above-mentioned 20-man list compiled by former undisputed UFC lightweight champion, Khabib – who has fielded many former champions from various promotions and organizations.

“Fedor/Jones, GSP, Anderson Silva, Demetrious Johnson, Daniel Cormier, Henry Cejudo, Jose Aldo, Kamaru Usman, Israel Adesanya, BJ Penn, Royce Gracie, Couture/Velasquez, Hendo/Shogun, CroCop/Miocic, Dominick Cruz/Frankie Edgar,” Khabib Nurmagomedov tweeted his list in descending order. 

Responding to Khabib’s list of greatest mixed martial arts fighters of all time, McGregor chose to poke fun at the Dagestan native’s 2020 retirement from active competition, as well as promote his recovery product.

Conor McGregor issues response to Khabib Nurmagomedov

“In the end, it’s who’s left,” Conor McGregor said in a now-deleted tweet. “Don’t forget. God bless, Tidl Sports Science.”

Recently providing a rather cryptic update on his impending return to the UFC, McGregor claimed he was “in the pool” – leading fans and community members to speculate the Dubliner had returned to the USADA testing pool for the first time since the third quarter of 2021.

Expected to make his Octagon comeback later this year, Conor McGregor recently finished filming on The Ultimate Fighter 31 – where he served as an opposing coach against Michael Chandler, whom he is expected to fight at the welterweight limit in his Octagon return. 

Conor McGregor teases UFC return, fight announcement: ‘We are in the pool. Stay ready for the date’

Conor McGregor teases UFC return we are in the pool stay ready for dateIn rather cryptic fashion, it appears former two-weight UFC champion, Conor McGregor has provided an update on his return to the organization, claiming he is “in the pool” – a potential nod to his return to the USADA testing-pool. McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the UFC, most recently […]

Conor McGregor teases UFC return we are in the pool stay ready for date

In rather cryptic fashion, it appears former two-weight UFC champion, Conor McGregor has provided an update on his return to the organization, claiming he is “in the pool” – a potential nod to his return to the USADA testing-pool.

McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight champion under the banner of the UFC, most recently headlined UFC 264 back in July 2021 against former interim champion, Dustin Poirier, suffering a fractured left tibia and fibula in an opening round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss.

Earlier this year, the Dubliner’s expected Octagon comeback was confirmed by the organization, with the former duel-weight champion serving as an opposing coach on The Ultimate Fighter 31 against lightweight contender, Michael Chandler – ahead of an end-of-season showdown.

While an official date, location, or event for the expected welterweight clash between McGregor and Chandler has yet to be determined at the time of publication, the former has tweeted a rather cryptic message, alluding to the potential confirmation of a date for his Octagon return.

“Stay Ready for the date,” Conor McGregor tweeted. 

Furthermore, over the weekend, McGregor posted several pictures of a swimming pool he appeared to be standing by – with the caption, “We are in the pool! Happy Easter everybody.” 

A significant hurdle for McGregor to scale in order to make a return to the UFC comes in the form of his return to the USADA testing pool.

The Crumlin striker has yet to be tested by the anti-doping agency since the third quarter of 20121, providing a total of 16 test samples that year. In both 2022, and then this year, Conor McGregor has yet to submit any test samples to the United States Anti-Doping Agency at the time of publication. 

Michael Chandler predicts dominant win over Conor McGregor

Over the course of the weekend, whilst viewing UFC 287 — impending opponent, Chandler claimed he would beat McGregor “within an inch of his life” in his latest prediction.