Conor McGregor has been absent from the octagon for over three years since his last fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, and there is still uncertainty surrounding his return to competition.
The Irish fighter was set to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June, but had to withdraw from the bout due to a broken toe suffered during sparring. McGregor made it clear that he was not willing to risk performing at anything less than full capacity in his comeback fight after recovering from a gruesome leg injury in his last matchup against Poirier.
As time goes by, doubts have arisen about McGregor’s future in the sport. However, former PFL champion Brendan Loughnane, who trained with McGregor for several weeks, is confident that the superstar will return to the cage.
Loughnane stated, “Of course, he wants to fight. Money is not a motivating factor for Conor. He is a true fighter at heart. Conor simply loves to compete. I witnessed his dedication in the training room, where he displayed his hunger for the sport.”
“Despite his financial success, McGregor’s passion for martial arts is what keeps him going. He is a true martial artist who thrives on the challenges of the sport. McGregor’s commitment to the sport is unwavering,” Loughnane added.
Criticism has been directed at McGregor for pulling out of the June bout due to the broken toe, but Loughnane defended his decision. He believes that McGregor’s choice to prioritize his health and not compete with a compromised injury after a long hiatus shows maturity and a smart approach to his comeback.
Loughnane emphasized that McGregor has fought through injuries in the past, but this time, it was important for him to prioritize his well-being and return to the octagon at full strength.
“Taking a step back and acknowledging that he should not fight with a compromised injury after three years away from the sport demonstrates McGregor’s maturity and wisdom in handling his return,” Loughnane explained.
The planned reunion between McGregor and Loughnane prior to UFC 303 was thwarted by McGregor’s injury, but Loughnane eagerly awaits the opportunity to train with him again if the chance arises.
“I was looking forward to training with him before the fight, and I am excited for his comeback. I have a great relationship with McGregor’s team and would be honored to train with him again,” Loughnane expressed.
Loughnane is ready to support McGregor in his comeback journey and looks forward to the possibility of training together in the future.