As UFC 303 approaches, the spotlight shines on Conor McGregor, whose return to the octagon on June 30 to face Michael Chandler might mark the end of one of the most enthralling careers in sports history. After a three-year absence, the ‘Notorious’ McGregor is set to step back into the cage, but it will be a shadow of his former self that fans see next month.
McGregor’s rise to the top of mixed martial arts (MMA) was unprecedented. Known for his perfect blend of charisma and skill, his iconic knockouts were matched by his memorable one-liners. His rapid ascent saw him defeat future hall of famers like Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier, leading to his historic achievement as the first-ever double division champion in the UFC. His 12-second knockout of legendary lightweight champion Jose Aldo was the pinnacle of a year-long campaign of psychological warfare against the Brazilian.
The world tour promoting his featherweight title fight saw McGregor masterfully get inside Aldo’s head, from declaring himself the ‘real king of Rio’ to stealing the champion’s belt. After dethroning Aldo, McGregor showcased his prowess again by defeating Eddie Alvarez to claim the lightweight title.
Dana White, UFC president, permitted McGregor to take a year off to fight undefeated boxing legend Floyd Mayweather. Despite Mayweather’s 49-0 record, McGregor’s aura was so compelling that many believed he could pull off an upset. Although Mayweather ended the fight in the 10th round, McGregor’s bank account swelled with a $100 million payday, marking what many see as the end of his peak era.
From social welfare recipient to topping Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list, McGregor’s success seemed to extinguish the fire that once ignited a sport and a nation. His return to the UFC revealed cracks in his persona, particularly during his feud with Khabib Nurmagomedov. McGregor’s once sharp wit turned into crude threats, targeting Nurmagomedov’s religion, family, and home while promoting his own whiskey brand.
The fighter known for his mic skills with lines like “precision beats power, timing beats speed,” and “we’re not just here to take part, we’re here to take over,” resorted to personal attacks and antics like throwing dollies at bus windows. Nurmagomedov humbled McGregor at UFC 229, dominating him for four rounds and forcing a submission with a neck crank.
Following his loss to Nate Diaz, McGregor showed humility, accepting defeat without excuses. However, this attitude was absent post-Nurmagomedov, as McGregor continued to berate his opponent online and announced several faux retirements. His headline-making antics outside the cage, including assault allegations and public altercations, further tarnished his reputation.
McGregor’s brief return in 2020 with a 40-second knockout of Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone offered hope to fans, but his subsequent losses, particularly his second-round TKO loss to Poirier where he was rendered unconscious for the first time in his career, signaled a steep decline. The trilogy bout with Poirier, ending with McGregor’s broken ankle, symbolized his fall from grace.
After another three years of inactivity, UFC 303 could see Michael Chandler deliver the final blow to McGregor’s storied career. Fans and analysts alike are left to ponder whether this fight will be a testament to McGregor’s resilience or the closing chapter of one of MMA’s most captivating tales.