Conor McGregor's return date went from unknown to known to unknown again after he withdrew from UFC 303 due to injury. However, one of the Irishman's teammates Peter Queally offered the MMA world an estimate on when 'The Notorious' can be expected to make his long-awaited walk to the octagon.
While speaking to talkSPORT, Queally, an MMA fighter himself, spoke about the injury that led to the cancelation of UFC 303's original headliner, which consisted of 'The Notorious' taking on Michael Chandler at welterweight. The Straight Blast Gym Ireland member elected not to disclose the nature of McGregor's injury.
Queally did offer talkSPORT some insight into his teammate's potential return and said:
"It seems like they will endeavor to make that fight in September time. Something like that, maybe. That's what I'm hearing. That's what you can look forward to if they can make it happen."
Unfortunately, without any details regarding McGregor's injury, besides the rumor that it is to the same leg he broke back in 2021, there is little fans can go off of to anticipate his return. While Queally's words are optimistic, as a September return is not far off, the fear that McGregor may never fight again remains.
Someone who is staying hopeful, though, is Chandler, McGregor's expected opponent. 'Iron' has been gunning for a money fight with the Irishman for some time now, and has stuck to his principles by sitting out on the sidelines in wait for 'The Notorious' to return, perhaps against his better judgment.
Conor McGregor hasn't fought in three years
The last time fans saw Conor McGregor compete inside the octagon was July 10, 2021, when he snapped his shin in a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Since then, fans have awaited his return, but it has been interrupted by countless issues, ranging from McGregor's other interests to clashes with USADA.
Regardless of all of the roadblocks he has faced, the Irishman has remained steadfast in his eagerness to fight again. However, some have called his desire into question, given he is often spotted drinking and partying instead of training.