Will Conor McGregor ever return to the Octagon? This question has echoed through the MMA world for years—especially after the former UFC champ officially announced his comeback against Michael Chandler last year. But what happened? The fight fizzled out. Chandler, loyal to the promise, ended up wasting nearly two years waiting on McGregor. Fans were left in limbo. Then, earlier this month, ‘Mystic Mac’ sent shockwaves through the fight game once again: “I’ve got two fights on the [UFC] contract, I’m in negotiations.” Just like that, the hype was reborn. But not so fast. In typical McGregor fashion, he might’ve just hinted at retirement again. So, is he plotting a return—or writing his final chapter? Everyone is confused, but can you blame them?

So, what happened? Well, ahead of the Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett fight at UFC 314, the former UFC dual weight champion took to his Instagram handle to add a post of him training with a caption that read, “I am interested in the Chandler/Pimblett fight this weekend.” This raised speculations about his interest in fighting the winner of the clash. And guess what? Pimblett knocked out Chandler on that fated night. On the next day, McGregor took to his Instagram handle to add another training montage with a caption that read, “Little Mack watching his Daddy I love my family so much, I thank God every day.”

Speculations were turning into certainty amidst the chaos, with the MMA community debating the anticipated comeback of the sport’s biggest star. However, just as fans were getting excited, McGregor took to his Instagram once again—this time, with a negative update. The former UFC champion uploaded a montage of his past interviews on his Instagram story, where he stated, “I will never stay there longer than I should. I’m a smart man — I’m smarter than I look. I will not stay in the fight; it’s a dangerous business. I’m in there to get all the money, all the belts — and then I’m gone.”

Is this quite a concerning update from Conor McGregor? The fighter is keeping his fans in purgatory, where the answer is neither a clear yes nor no—much like Schrödinger’s cat. His BKFC endeavor has forced him to divert his attention to being a successful promoter, and this is hampering his comeback.

In one of his speeches, the former UFC champion asserted that he would fight within the BKFC banner, “If you think I’m here giving these speeches and leading these men into battle and that I’m not going to step in myself, think again. Without a doubt. Conor McGregor will fight in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, mark my words. I would do it for free.” However, it appears all of these words meant nothing, but we shouldn’t rule out the possibility of McGregor’s return to the Octagon, as he is one unpredictable individual. Interestingly, ‘Mystic Mac’ might be pissed with Paddy Pimblett.

Conor McGregor lost half a million betting on Michael Chandler

Paddy Pimblett dismantled Michael Chandler at UFC 314. No one expected the Briton to come out so strong against the former Bellator champion, but as the fight began, ‘The Baddy’ showcased why he should be feared within the division. Leaving Chandler bloodied and making a statement, Pimblett has now called out nearly everyone in the division—including Conor McGregor.

‘The Notorious’ put $500,000 on Michael Chandler’s victory at UFC 314 going against Paddy Pimblett, and this irked the Briton. At the post-fight press conference, Pimblett took to the mic as he called out McGregor, “I don’t know if I’ll ever see him. You never know, I’ll say to him, ‘What happened there? F—–g hell, the Irish-Scouse connection, you’re meant to back me, but you went for the Yank instead. But, it’s one of them. If he ever wants to come back, I’ll be here waiting.”

McGregor’s reaction? Well, ‘Mystic Mac’ refrained from any commotion with Pimblett but sure called out Chandler for losing the battle, “Chandler you motherf—— you! Rest up, fair play. My history with Mike and the odds on him by KO swayed me to take the risk. My head did say Paddy. He’s improving but with a way to go yet. Although the division is woeful, it is equal, and equal brings good fights. So happy days, ya’s’r welcome. Ah well, what’s $500,000 to an M G like me, can you please remind me? More than your purse. Thanks @Duelbits  best odds in the game!”

Given his loss, Conor McGregor has yet to call out any of them. Regardless, what are your thoughts on the ‘Mystic Mac’s return? State your opinions in the comments below.