Over the past week, millions of people worldwide celebrated Christmas and other cultural holidays in preparation for the new calendar year. Among those enjoying festivities with their families was two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor – also known as “The Notorious” – who spent quality time with his mother, four children, and longtime partner, Dee Devlin. Fans responded to McGregor’s holiday pictures on Twitter with numerous supportive messages, wishing him a Happy New Year and praising his beautiful family.
However, Conor McGregor’s time with his family will soon come to an end as he gears up for his highly-anticipated UFC return in the first half of 2024. After a two-and-a-half-year layoff, the Dublin native is expected to make his comeback, generating excitement among his fans and followers. Meanwhile, Michael Chandler has challenged McGregor to a fight, alleging that McGregor wants to fight Nate Diaz instead of him.
McGregor is expected to face off against Michael Chandler in his return bout but has mostly ignored Chandler’s callout after they coached against each other on The Ultimate Fighter Season 31 earlier this year. Consequently, Chandler speculates that McGregor might be waiting for a more lucrative fight by avoiding him in favor of a blockbuster trilogy fight against Nate Diaz. In an appearance on the podcast Steve-O’s Wild Ride, Chandler said he believes McGregor may be trying to “wait him out” to avoid taking on someone who wants to compete.
As the anticipation for Conor McGregor’s comeback grows, opinions are divided on what to expect from him when he returns to the Octagon. While some believe there is more gas left in the tank, others think the extended layoff and his financial security might lead to another loss. Regardless, “The Notorious” plans to prove doubters wrong by bouncing back in the upcoming year with his first UFC win since January 2020.
