MMA News Roundup – Conor McGregor to Possibly Return in July; Dricus Du Plessis Laughs at Leon Edwards MW Dream; Johnny Walker and Magomed Ankalaev Rematch Set for Early 2024

The MMA world keeps churning out noteworthy news daily. But fans could miss out on significant events due to the paucity of time. However, there is nothing to worry about since we’ve compiled some of the biggest highlights in our favorite sport in yet another edition of the daily roundup. Let’s take a look at what transpired over the last 24 hours.

We will start with Conor McGregor, reportedly expecting to return in July 2024. Then we will shift our focus to Dricus du Plessis, who took a jibe at Leon Edwards‘s middleweight hopes. Finally, we will sum up the news compilation with Johnny Walker‘s rematch against Magomed Ankalaev set for 2024.

Conor McGregor could return in July next year

‘The Notorious’ recently submitted his test samples to USADA, officially confirming his comeback. Amidst rumors of a comeback at UFC 300, Conor McGregor’s coach John Kavanagh gave his honest take on the return of the former double champion during a recent episode of ‘The MMA Hour’. The Straight Blast Gym coach said, “We were hoping for April.” However, April may not be the actual date.

It looks like Conor McGregor could make his return in July 2024, deviating from his initial return date. John Kavanagh further stated, “That [April] was the hope. That was what we were told, and then now it seems to be the summertime.” 

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Moreover, Conor McGregor’s coach could not seem to comprehend what the UFC’s plans are for the former double champion. “Do we really need him for UFC 300? That’s gonna be such a massive event. Are they holding him back for International Fight Week? I don’t really know,” said John Kavanagh. He added, “It’s a knockback that we’re hearing it was April but now it’s July, but it’s not the end of the world.” The SBG coach mentioned that McGregor has not been affected by the change in the date. Meanwhile, we will have to wait for any further developments on this front in the coming days.

Dricus du Plessis takes a jibe at Leon Edwards’s plans to jump to middleweight

Welterweight champion Leon Edwards is gearing up for his title defense against Colby Covington at UFC 296. Meanwhile, he expressed his urge to go to the middleweight division and possibly fight the winner of the Dricus du Plessis vs Sean Strickland fight at UFC 297. ‘Rocky’ wants to become the first double champion hailing from the United Kingdom. However, du Plessis doesn’t think he should do that.

‘Stillknocks’ shared a story with a message for Leon Edwards on Instagram. He warned the welterweight champion to stay away from the 185 pounds division while taking a jibe at his smaller stature. “Easy to see you’ve never seen me in person little man,” wrote Dricus du Plessis. The South African is finally getting his shot at the title, as it remains to be seen if he can win the title and possibly go on to fight Leon Edwards.

Johnny Walker vs. Magomed Ankalaev 2 is set

UFC 294 saw a controversial ending to the fight between Ankalaev and Walker. It ended in a no-contest after the former landed an illegal knee strike on the latter and the doctor waved off the fight. The fight had huge title implications. However, the rematch for the fight is going to take place soon. This was confirmed by John Kavanagh.

Kavanagh, who trains Johnny Walker, claimed that the rematch will take place on January 13. Moreover, it will take place on the first fight card of 2024. Furthermore, there were talks about the Ankalaev vs Walker 2 to take place in UFC Shanghai and even UFC 296. However, they chose January so that the Brazilian could recover from the impact of the illegal knee. We will have to wait and see how this rivalry finally ends.

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