These are some controversial times for the former dual-weight champion of the world, Conor McGregor as the Nikita Hand case has significantly impacted his reputation worldwide. Most businesses that worked with ‘McGregor’ have severed ties with him after the verdict of the court came to light. Despite all the criticism, Conor McGregor might be gearing up for a comeback to the Octagon. A recent sparring video with his partner, coupled with Dana White’s statements at the UFC 310 press conference, has prompted speculation. However, the biggest hint came from the Irishman’s recent post on X.

Fairly recently, Conor McGregor took to his social media handle to upload a video where he trained BJJ alongside his partner. The video sparked discussion among the MMA community about ‘Mystic Mac’ return to the Octagon. Interestingly, at the post-fight press conference, when Dana White was questioned about Conor McGrgeor’s return, he emphasized, “He hasn’t been fighting herein, I don’t know how long. Well, if he does fight, it’ll be sometime next year.” 

The former lightweight champion has been out of action since his defeat against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. ‘Mystic Mac’ was originally slated to make his comeback at UFC 303, but a toe injury derailed those plans. However, it now appears that the Irishman’s plans may have changed. Just a day after Dana White’s confession, ‘Notorious’ has come forward to add a long X post. He emphasized that the partner who was training with him was none other than Lee Hammond, who is a black belt under coach John Kavanagh at Sbg.

The former dual-weight champion explained his flawed relationship in that long post as he wrote, “I have been training with Lee since he was a young teen and I was in my early twenties. I used to open John’s gym on a Sunday, on my own, and word got around the gym that I would do this, and Lee and his friend would be the only other two to show up. I would spar them back to back for hours. We still show up today.”

At the very end of the post, Conor McGregor added that his training has been going well and the MMA community might receive good news next year, “Training is going great out here guys, hoping for some good news to break, God willing! Thank you for the support.” Well, as of now, no announcement has come to light about ‘Mystic Mac’s return. However, a UFC insider might have released a timeline and a prospective matchup for the former champ.

Chael Sonnen reveals the likely scenarios for Conor McGregor’s comeback to the MMA realm

While the probable answers remain unclear about Conor McGregor’s return, former UFC fighter and analyst, Chael Sonnen recently emphasized that the ‘Mystic Mac’ fight may happen next year and British sensation, Paddy Pimblett might be the first opponent that the former champ faces. “It’s important to look at it from that perspective because, who are you going to put him with? Chandler was a perfect opponent. Chandler still works. Chandler is the correct answer. But let’s say you’re not going with Chandler,” remarked Sonnen on his YouTube handle.

Chael Sonnen explained that other matchups could entice UFC CEO Dana White like a clash with Nate Diaz. But he further emphasized that the Stockton native might not fit into Dana White’s vision, “Dana does not play Checkers; he plays Chess. He is several steps ahead, and if your match does not have meaning for the future—a potential to take you somewhere else—Dana White will not book that match. So, that’s where you start to see if Conor were to return and not be in there with Chandler. That’s where you start to see the likelihood of Conor finding himself across from Paddy ‘The Baddy’ going up exponentially.”

Paddy Pimblett has been on a six-fight winning streak and he has been undefeated under the UFC banner. A clash between them will be like the clash between the old gen and the new gen. Regardless, what’s your take on their clash? State your thoughts in the comments below.