Conor McGregor’s comeback off until 2024 as headliner confirmed for UFC 296

McGregor's UFC comeback now appears to be off until next year.

Conor McGregor will not return to the UFC this year after the main-event lineup for the year's remaining pay-per-views were confirmed by Dana White. McGregor, 35, last fought in the UFC back in July 2021, when he lost to Dustin Poirier in the first round after suffering a serious leg break that led to a prolonged period on the sidelines.

Conor McGregor's UFC comeback off until 2024.

The Irish fighter suggested that he would return to the Octagon at UFC 296 in Las Vegas on December 16, where he would face Michael Chandler. Back in August, McGregor tweeted an image of a screenshot from the UFC Fight Pass website, suggesting that he will be returning to action at the event against Chandler. Those plans, however, have been dashed after the UFC confirmed the schedule for the remainder of 2023. On Thursday, UFC president Dana White announced that Leon Edwards would take on Colby Covington in the main event of UFC 296. At UFC 295 in November, there will be two main events for the card at Madison Square Garden. Stipe Miocic will face Jon Jones, while Jiří Procházka takes on Alex Pereira. McGregor's MMA comeback, therefore, won't take place until 2024. Last week, White told Piers Morgan during an interview that McGregor is "back in the gym." "He is training and yes, I expect to see Conor fighting next year." the UFC president said. https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1704681008375943354 Read next:

• Conor McGregor announces long-awaited UFC return.
• Conor McGregor lays out UFC plans by revealing next three opponents
• Conor McGregor pays heartbreaking tribute to Sinead O’Connor
• Conor McGregor’s lawyer denies “false” assault allegations at NBA Finals
• Conor McGregor has a message for Katie Taylor after heartbreaking defeat
• Conor McGregor proves his coaching skills with great advice to former UFC rival
• Wild scenes in Colorado as Conor McGregor jumps into ring for bare knuckle face-off