Conor McGregor has ramped up his efforts to secure a UFC fight, taking his campaign to a whole new level. Over the past several weeks, McGregor has been publicly questioning UFC president Dana White’s decision to delay his return to the Octagon until 2025. McGregor, who hasn’t fought since his leg injury in a bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, is eager to return and insists he’s fit and ready.
On Tuesday, McGregor made headlines by leaking an email from Drug Free Sport, the organization responsible for drug testing UFC fighters. This email confirmed that McGregor had passed his latest drug test. The message read: “Dear Conor McGregor, we are pleased to inform you that sample number E004244, provided on 13 September 2024, returned a NEGATIVE result from the lab. Thank you for your contribution to supporting a clean UFC.”
McGregor has been the most tested athlete in the UFC’s 2024 drug testing database, having submitted 11 samples throughout the year. He highlighted this fact while demanding a fight date, emphasizing his clean status. In a post alongside the leaked email, McGregor wrote, “Most tested athlete on the UFC roster x2. I deserve my fight date! #cleanathlete.”
Following this, McGregor posted a video clip from a recent sparring session with Sean O’Bradaigh, an amateur boxer ranked no. 8 in the U.S. at light heavyweight. The footage showed McGregor landing a powerful overhand left on the 22-year-old boxer, demonstrating that he’s still in fighting shape.
McGregor was originally set to make his comeback in June against Michael Chandler. However, a training injury caused McGregor to break his toe, forcing him to withdraw from the highly anticipated UFC 303 main event. Chandler, known as ‘Iron Mike,’ was expected to face McGregor in a fight that had fans buzzing, but the injury setback postponed their clash.
Both McGregor and Chandler initially agreed to reschedule their fight for UFC 310 in December. However, as it became evident that the December bout wasn’t going to materialize, Chandler instead agreed to face Charles Oliveira in a rematch at UFC 309 in November. This left McGregor without an immediate fight on the calendar, though he remains hopeful for a bout with Chandler in 2025.
Despite the delays, McGregor is still focused on facing Chandler when he finally returns to the UFC. In an interview following Anthony Joshua’s knockout loss to Daniel Dubois, McGregor expressed his desire to fight Chandler. “I’d like it to be Chandler,” McGregor said when asked about his potential opponent. “I’d like that to be squared away.”
McGregor also extended his well-wishes to Chandler ahead of his fight against Oliveira, adding, “I wish him well against Oliveira, but let’s see how it goes.”
While McGregor’s return to the UFC has been repeatedly delayed, his determination to get back into the Octagon remains strong. His recent public statements, social media posts, and leaked drug test results indicate that the Irishman is not only physically prepared but also mentally focused on his next fight. Fans of McGregor, known for his outspoken personality and impressive fighting record, are eagerly awaiting his comeback, hoping to see him return to form in 2025. Until then, McGregor continues to push for a fight date, leaving the MMA community anticipating his next move.
With Chandler now focused on his upcoming rematch with Oliveira, the timeline for McGregor’s return remains uncertain. However, McGregor’s persistence and status as one of the UFC’s most tested athletes suggest that he will be ready whenever his chance comes. Whether his opponent ends up being Chandler or someone else, McGregor seems poised to make a major impact when he finally steps back into the Octagon.
‘FREE THE MAC’ – Conor McGregor leaks drug test email and demands UFC comeback date
