Conor McGregor’s announcement of a potential boxing return sparked widespread interest in the combat sports community. The UFC’s first concurrent two-division champion hinted at a possible match against Logan Paul in India next year. However, subsequent reports suggested that Jake Paul might step into the spotlight instead. Regardless of the opponent, the news once again placed ‘The Notorious’ firmly back in the headlines. It’s been some time since the mixed martial arts icon has been absent from the ring and the Octagon.

McGregor was initially expected to make his MMA return at UFC 303 in a fight against Michael Chandler. Unfortunately, injuries derailed those plans, keeping the Dublin-born star away from competitive action. Amidst professional setbacks, the Irishman faced personal and legal challenges, including the Nikita Hand civil case. Even a recent discussion about a hypothetical fight between him and Mike Perry invariably touched on his legal troubles. Mike Perry, whom McGregor once promoted, launched his own fight promotion—the ‘Dirty Boxing Championship’.

Questions about Conor McGregor’s future

The conversation took place in the ‘Overdogs Podcast’s latest episode. Hosted by Mike Perry, Ice Bagz, and Mac Mally, the YouTube show has gained considerable traction since its launch last year. As the show touched the one-hour mark, Ice Bagz asked the guest, Michael ‘The Menace’ Johnson, “Real quick, Mike Perry versus Conor McGregor in dirty boxing with the rule set with the rule set small gloves elbow.”

“Not even because we’re doing the interview. I’m going with Mike Perry, not even because we’re doing the interview,” replied the multiple ‘Fight of the Year’ award recipient. Highlighting Perry’s prowess in inside fighting, Johnson mentioned how even he would avoid engaging ‘Platinum’ in close-quarter combat.

Most of the fans and viewers think that he, for one, stays out of the inside since he constantly moves around. However, the fact remains that he ‘loves fighting on the inside’. Hence, with confidence, he could foretell, “Conor isn’t trying to fight that close.”

The response prompted ‘Platinum’ Perry to speculate, “Who knows if we even get to see Connor fight again? It’s been, what, four years?” Michael Johnson replied, “I think he’s gonna have to at some point,” further adding, “If he gets a few more lawsuits, he’s gonna have to come back.” The response drew smiles from everyone, including Perry.

A Legacy far from over?

Reports suggest that following the latest civil suit, several businesses with whom he enjoyed partnership deals severed ties with Conor McGregor. Even otherwise, strictly from the point of view of fighting, questions have been raised on his form. ‘The Notorious’ received his BJJ black belt last year. But recent footage that featured him throwing punches at a heavy bag drew some scathing remarks from fans.

However, it might be too early to close the doors on one of the combat world’s biggest stars. Injuries sustained both during fights and during training might have slowed him down. But remember, seven years ago, against Floyd Mayweather Jr., he fought till the latter’s supreme skills gassed him out in the tenth round. So if there’s a fight, Mike Perry may not entirely enjoy a walkover as some might expect.

What do you think about Conor McGregor’s future? Will he make a triumphant return to combat sports, or is his time in the spotlight coming to an end? Let us know your thoughts.