Conor McGregor Teases Next UFC Opponent AND Retirement in Strange Series of Deleted Posts

Conor McGregor has teased his next opponent, while suggesting he could leave the UFC in a series of now-deleted posts.

McGregor has not fought in the octagon since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021 at UFC 264.

4

The 36-year-old was scheduled to make his return to MMA in June against Michael Chandler, but withdrew from the main event of UFC 303 after injuring his toe.

This left UFC fans around the world wondering if we would ever see “The Notorious” fight again.

UFC president Dana White, however, suggested there was still a glimmer of hope for McGregor to return to the cage.

When asked what he thought about McGregor’s sexual assault case during the UFC 310 post-fight press conference, White was sharp in his response.

“What do you mean, what’s my reaction?” If I had a comment, I would have posted it by now,” he said.

White was then pressed for more information on McGregor’s status in the UFC, and he added: “He hasn’t fought here in, I don’t know how long.” Well, if he fights, it will be next year.

McGregor responded to White’s comments and suggested who his next UFC opponent could be in a series of now-deleted posts on X.

“Nineteen knockouts in professional MMA,” McGregor wrote. But it’s none of my business. Great conversation, Dana White, I love your thinking.

He also posted a gif from the hit film Braveheart in which Mel Gibson’s character shouts “freedom”, suggesting he could leave MMA’s biggest promotion.

Chandler, 38, who was defeated by Charles Oliveira in an all-out war at UFC 309 in his last fight, was quick to respond.

4

4

He said: “Remember in the cold bath, doing the TUF coaches challenge, you said I would be your 20th? Show up and try me.

McGregor responded quickly, saying, “It’s you!” Take a rest and I’ll see you at the top. #ManOfWord.

Chandler and McGregor both participated in an ice bath challenge while filming the 2023 season of The Ultimate Fighter, where legendary UFC announcer Bruce Buffer asked them a series of questions.

In the video, McGregor antagonizes Chandler by saying the American will be his 20th knockout in professional MMA.

After his loss at UFC 309, Chandler made sure to let McGregor know that he was still very interested in a fight.

“Conor McGregor. If you ever manage to get your house in order while we professionals keep the octagon warm, we wonder where you have been Conor,” he said.

4

“Come back and beat me. If you can!”

McGregor was found by a jury to have assaulted Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel in December 2018.

As a result, Ms Hand, who accused McGregor of raping her, was awarded £206,556.03.

McGregor has rejected this claim and intends to appeal.

It also led to McGregor’s “name and likeness” no longer being used by the company that purchased the Proper No. Twelve Irish whiskey brand.

“The Notorious” sold Proper No. twelve to Mexican company Proximo Spirits in 2021 for over £100 million.

Major retailers such as Tesco, SuperValu, Centra and Costcutter have also said they will no longer stock products associated with McGregor.