After a two-year hiatus, UFC fans eagerly await Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon. However, mounting uncertainties surround his comeback as recent comments from CEO Dana White raise doubts about “The Notorious” stepping back into the cage this year. McGregor’s slated matchup with Michael Chandler hangs in the balance, leaving fans in suspense about his future in the sport. Will we ever witness his triumphant return?

Scheduled for a December showdown against Michael Chandler, McGregor’s much-anticipated comeback faced a significant hurdle due to his exclusion from the USADA’s testing roster. Dana White’s recent remarks hint at the possibility that the former dual-title holder might not be able to step inside the ring this year.

Conor McGregor return to Octagon faces multiple challenges as quoted by Dana white

Dana White recently had a conversation with the renowned English broadcaster and journalist Piers Morgan. During their conversation, White provided his take on whether we will be able to witness Conor McGregor in a high-profile fight this year. Piers Morgan questioned White, “Are we going to see Conor McGregor back in a high-profile fight”.

Dana White was really quick to reply to Morgans’s question. He emphasized that McGregor is hitting the gym and he is expecting him in the octagon by next year. White stated, “He is back in the gym. He’s training and yeah I expect to see Connor fighting next year.”

Dana white further added that it is difficult to make a return to fighting once you make as much money as McGregor. “I’m sure you’ve seen this with colleagues and friends and people that you know, once a certain level of money is attained you know to be the person that you were coming up to be that hungry and work that hard and be that dedicated to the sport or whatever craft it is you do, money changes everything and Conor McGregor has made that kind of money”.

Read More: “Awesome Stuff”- Conor McGregor Flaunts His $200M Worth Accomplishments With His Personal “UFC Octagon” Months Before UFC 296

Conor McGregor’s comeback seems to be facing multiple hurdles at the moment as Ian Garry has reminded Dana White that he wants to fight on the sidelines of the UFC 296 main card against Stephen Thompson. He added a new angle to McGregor’s comeback story.

Speculation surrounds UFC 296 as Ian Garry claims a place on the December card

In his December octagonal return, ‘The Notorious’ has already hinted that his likely dance partner could be Michael Chandler, as it was originally planned for his comeback. Meanwhile, across the Irish channel, his protégé, Ian Garry is looking to make his own mark on the same fight card. Garry has reminded White that he wants to face off against Stephen Thompson. Garry quoted in a recent interview, “I want December 16th, I want the UFC pay-per-view in Las Vegas, and I wanna fight Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson.”

He further added that he wants a full-5-round match and not the basic 3-round ones. He said, ” I want it over five rounds because I think about the fans in that situation. Could you imagine five rounds of me vs. ‘Wonderboy’ to prove who the greatest striker in the welterweight division is? That’s a barn burner,” 

Despite all the hubbub, UFC has yet to release any statement regarding UFC 296. Will Conor McGregor make a return this year or will his protégé will be in the UFC 296 card? Only time will tell.

Watch this Story: “You Are Not That Same Person Once You Get That Kind of Money”: Dana White Makes a Concerning Remark on Conor McGregor’s Return to the Octagon and MMA Future