Conor McGregor’s future in the UFC is still relatively in doubt, with the Irish star having not fought in the Octagon since 2021 when he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier.
Earlier this month, ‘The Notorious’ dropped a huge hint that he won’t fight in the UFC again, claiming that he is happy with everything he has done in his career and that he is turning his attention to the Irish Presidential race.
Despite that, ahead of UFC 314 this past Saturday, the former UFC double champion declared his interest in fighting the winner of the co-main event between Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler.
Subsequently, the 36-year-old placed a huge $50,000 bet on Chandler to win by KO, losing money after Pimblett dominated Chandler on the way to a third-round finish.
During a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, UFC icon Joe Rogan had Ilia Topuria in the studio to discuss all things MMA and the UFC.
During their discussion, Topuria revealed that he was once in talks with the UFC for a super-fight against McGregor, but things never came to fruition.
And with that, the UFC superstar asked Rogan his opinion on Conor McGregor and whether the UFC mainstay thinks ‘The Notorious’ will return to the Octagon.
“If I had to bet, no,” Rogan replied bluntly.
“No, I don’t think he comes back, because he hasn’t come back yet, and he could’ve. If he really wanted to, he would’ve been back in the gym, had a fight scheduled, drug tested, clean, and training, gone through a camp, and had a fight.
“He had a broken toe before his (scheduled) fight against Chandler, I understand that, ok, why should you fight with a broken toe? Especially a guy who moves a lot like Conor, he relies on movement a lot.
“Heal that toe up and then what’s what? Two months? And so then you’re back in camp, and then you reschedule a fight and then fight again, but he didn’t,” Rogan continued.
Joe Rogan also questions McGregor’s party lifestyle
For several years now, UFC fans have questioned whether the Irishman still has the motivation to step into the Octagon, especially with his eccentric lifestyle outside of the fight game.
McGregor is constantly seen at BKFC events, drinking and partying after watching the fights, which has concerned many of his fans.
“Also, partying, constant partying, all these legal problems that he has, you know, scooting around on yachts and driving around in a Lamborghini, he’s wealthy. Maybe (he’s done).
“What’s really sad is if he comes back when he’s 39 or 40 (years old) and his body just doesn’t have it anymore,” Rogan continued.
Whether or not McGregor is considering a comeback to the sport, he has yet to register a test session this year with the UFC’s Anti-Doping agency. And with that, he must be in the testing pool for at least six months before he returns.
