UFC chief says McGregor will not fight this year; fighter responds

New Delhi, Aug 14: Following UFC president Dana White's announcement that Conor McGregor will not be returning to the Octagon this year, the former two division champion expressed his displeasure on social media and offered a possible return date.

McGregor hasn't competed since breaking his leg in a fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Although he's been lined up for a matchup with Michael Chandler since early 2023, their fight, originally scheduled for June 29 at UFC 303, was cancelled after McGregor withdrew due to a toe injury. "We talked. We talked. We didn't meet up but we talked, and yeah, (McGregor) wants to fight. So we'll figure it out. (But) not this year. He won't fight this year," White told reporters on Tuesday.

Soon after clips of White's statement went viral on on social media, McGregor issued his response and called for a fight in December. "Ah Dana, December is the date! Bring the calendar year home with a winning event! Come on now, what’s this? I am off to altitude next month to prepare. DECEMBER! Tell Dana and UFC WE WANT DECEMBER! WE DESERVE DECEMBER!" McGregor posted on X.

Since his withdrawal, McGregor has expressed a strong desire to return, but it's unclear whether the delay is due to his injury or some other reason.