Conor McGregor, the notorious figure of mixed martial arts, is strategically planning a comeback to the UFC, aiming for a return in 2025. Following an unfortunate injury that forced him out of a highly anticipated fight with Michael Chandler in June, the former two-division champion is eager to reclaim his place in the Octagon, where he last fought nearly four years ago. As McGregor navigates through his options, he is particularly fixated on settling scores with two of his past adversaries, Nate Diaz and Dustin Poirier.
McGregor’s sudden withdrawal from the matchup with Chandler has added layers of complexity to his return plans. While Chandler is slated to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in November, McGregor is keen on making his return priority. In a candid interview with The Schmo, he expressed eagerness to finalize a date, underscoring the lingering tension with Chandler. “We’ve had our beef. It’s not settled,” he noted, aiming to confront Chandler before the latter is back on his feet post-fight. Despite Chandler’s own aspirations to eventually face McGregor, the Irishman appears indifferent to waiting around for a particular opponent, instead focusing on the rivalry that has overshadowed his recent career.
What stands out in McGregor’s ambitions is his desire to resolve unfinished business with both Nate Diaz and Dustin Poirier. Both matchups present opportunities for McGregor to silence doubters and enhance his legacy within the realm of MMA. Let’s examine the dynamics of these rivalries. With Poirier, their history is marked by a shared record of one victory apiece along with a no contest due to a point deduction. “The Dustin one is not settled, it’s 1-1-1,” emphasized McGregor, highlighting that reclaiming dominance over Poirier is essential for his narrative.
Conversely, the rivalry with Diaz offers a different flavor of controversy. Diaz handed McGregor his first UFC defeat in 2016, albeit McGregor rebounded with a narrow victory in their rematch later that year. This chapter in McGregor’s career has remained particularly poignant, as it encapsulates both the alluring and perilous nature of fame in the sport.
As excitement builds around McGregor’s possible return, both fans and analysts speculate about the implications of these potential fights. With Poirier contemplating his future in the sport and Diaz’s ambiguous relationship with the UFC following his boxing ventures, the landscape of their respective careers adds unpredictability to the equation. The notion of McGregor eventually stepping back into the Octagon against either fighter offers lucrative matchups that could satisfy fan anticipation while reinvigorating his career narrative.
Conor McGregor’s road to a 2025 comeback could redefine the competitive landscape of the UFC. With bitter rivalries and aspirations for redemption at the forefront, fans are poised for what could be a thrilling chapter in McGregor’s storied career, should he manage to secure the desired showdowns. As the countdown to his anticipated return begins, one question looms large: Who will McGregor face when he finally returns to the Octagon?
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