Conor McGregor, the former UFC double champion known for his flamboyant lifestyle and fierce fighting spirit, has sparked concern among fans after his recent public appearance at the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix. The Irish fighter, who was in attendance for the glitzy Formula 1 event, appeared noticeably out of shape and lacked his trademark intensity, prompting speculation about his readiness for a potential return to the Octagon.
McGregor, who hasn’t fought since his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier—where he suffered a devastating leg injury—has repeatedly teased a comeback over the past two years. While UFC president Dana White has mentioned potential matchups, including a high-profile clash with Michael Chandler, the fighters have yet to lock in a confirmed date. Fans have been eagerly awaiting an announcement, but recent developments in Monaco have shifted the tone from excitement to skepticism.
The Monaco Grand Prix is famously a playground for the rich and famous, and McGregor is no stranger to this international spotlight. Seen mingling with celebrities, sporting an extravagant suit, and sipping cocktails on a luxury yacht, McGregor embodied his “Notorious” nickname. But it wasn’t just the party atmosphere that raised eyebrows—it was his physical demeanor. Observers noted a visible weight gain, sluggish movement, and a slight limp, all of which painted a worrying picture of a fighter supposedly on the cusp of a comeback.
McGregor’s opponent-in-waiting, Michael Chandler, continues to train at full intensity and appears ready at a moment’s notice. The former Bellator champion has been active on social media, showcasing his grueling workouts and publicly pleading for a fight date. Chandler’s discipline and determination stand in stark contrast to McGregor’s recent image, further fueling the narrative that the Irishman may not be taking this comeback as seriously as fans had hoped.
Training and conditioning are critical, especially at the elite level where milliseconds and micro-movements can determine the outcome of a bout. McGregor, once hailed for his explosiveness and razor-sharp timing, will need to prove that he can still command that same physicality and mental edge. With age catching up and a long layoff further compounding difficulties, the questions surrounding his readiness are valid.
However, it’s important not to write off a fighter of McGregor’s caliber too quickly. He has surprised us before, rising from underdog to champ-champ, and thrives under high-stakes pressure. If his appearance at Monaco was just a misstep in the build-up to a carefully timed training camp, his critics may be in for a shock. Still, optics matter, especially in the unforgiving world of combat sports, where fans and pundits watch every move.
As the summer fight schedule begins to solidify and rumors of a UFC blockbuster card continue to circulate, all eyes remain on McGregor. Will he silence the doubters and return to the cage in peak form, or is this the beginning of the end for one of MMA’s most polarizing figures? Only time—and perhaps a weigh-in—will tell.
