Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor’s longtime manager, Audie Attar, has an update on his biggest client. Attar recently revealed to MMAJunkie that McGregor has a plan in place to re-enter the USADA testing pool, and in doing so, return to action in the Octagon.
“One of the things everybody forgets is that Conor was one of the most tested athletes when he was competing, and we’re going about things the right way.
Conor McGregor’s Manager Promises To “Do Things The Right Way” in UFC Comeback
We’re in active discussions with the UFC, we’ve spoken to USADA, and we’re going to do things the right way. That’s all I’m going to say about that. The thing about Conor McGregor is, people will speculate and stories run wild that are nine times out of 10 very inaccurate and false, so that’s all I’ll say about that.
But certainly, he’s looking for a comeback in 2024.” McGregor has been sidelined since July 2021, when he sustained a broken leg in the trilogy match against Dustin Poirier. Surgery, recovery, and a season of The Ultimate Fighter will have come and gone before McGregor sets foot in the Octagon again.
However, McGregor’s opposing coach on TUF, Michael Chandler, is effectively locked in as his opponent for the fight.
“He always could look elsewhere. Everybody’s always doubting him in different ways and criticizing him, and being critical. But ultimately, they’ll see when he steps into that octagon, and ultimately I think they can eat their words then.
Until then, we’re just going to do our thing, and go about it the right way. He’s preparing at the end of the day, and that’s the most important thing. Chandler makes sense, but so do others. But, Chandler is who he has his sights set on. We did that show knowing that that matchup would be next.”
As for the timeline, Attar believes McGregor is working towards a 2024 return to action. The card for the final UFC event of the year in December has yet to be announced, so McGregor could theoretically fight before Christmas. However, UFC 300 will take place in 2024, and as a major event will likely command a major star to headline.
“You can’t rule out the end of the year, but I think just in terms of where we are right now in terms of the date, it’s likely going to be 2024.
I think that’s what the UFC has their sights set on so, we’ll see kind of exactly when that will be.”
