Conor McGregor was spotted shadow boxing and dancing in the VIP section of a New York nightclub this week amid doubts over his proposed UFC return.
The Irishman, who has not fought since breaking his leg at UFC 264 well over three years ago now, could be seen partying at Marquee Nightclub in the early hours of Wednesday morning as his chances of a comeback grow more and more unlikely.
While it is unclear whether he was drinking himself, a lively McGregor appeared to be jumping around next to a table full of booze as he danced the night away in the Big Apple just after 2am.
His wild antics come despite UFC President Dana White’s recent claims that he has been ramping up his training over in NYC ahead of a long-awaited comeback.
Since recovering from a broken leg, McGregor had been lined up to return and face Michael Chandler ever since the pair went head to head as coaches on the 31st edition of The Ultimate Fighter last year.
Conor McGregor (center) was spotted shadow boxing and dancing in the VIP section of a New York nightclub this week
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However, after finally locking in June 29, 2024, as his comeback date, the 36-year-old was forced to withdraw from his showdown with Chandler in Las Vegas due to a broken toe.
Chandler has since moved on and secured himself a bout against Charles Oliveira in the meantime, leaving McGregor on the hunt for a new opponent if he does indeed return in the near future.
White no longer expects that to happen in 2024, setting early 2025 as a more realistic return date for his star man.
‘Let me tell you this, I was the one this year saying I don’t think he’s going to fight this year, amid all the talk and everything else,’ he told The New York Post.
‘Conor McGregor will fight next year, early 2025.’
McGregor has only competed twice in almost five years now, with his last two fights ending in defeat against Dustin Poirier.
He was first knocked out brutally by Poirier in January 2021, before suffering the gruesome leg break in their trilogy bout six months later.
The Irishman could be seen partying at Marquee Nightclub in the early hours of Wednesday
McGregor has not fought in the UFC for well over three years now, with his comeback growing more and more unlikely
He was supposed to return against Michael Chandler this summer before pulling out injured
Since then, the former two-weight UFC champion has been frequently spotted partying as his planned comeback continues to stall.
Before his proposed fight against Chandler was delayed, McGregor worried fans when he was seen embarking on a wild booze-up just six weeks out from the contest.
Rumors then began to circulate that he would not be ready in time for the June 29 date, which proved accurate when the bout was postponed, albeit as he cited a toe injury.
After Chandler booked to fight Oliveira in November, McGregor posted on X: ‘Chandler saw that takedown getting stuffed and mauled and officially dipped. Little Fat P***y.
‘I’m at the hard rock hotel Florida for the bare knuckle [Fighting Championship] tonight. Got tested earlier today by DFSI [Drug Free Sport International]. Give me my f***ing date!’