UFC fans are expressing strong beliefs that we might have seen the last of Conor McGregor inside the Octagon. This reaction comes after “The Notorious” accepted an 18-month suspension for violating the UFC`s anti-doping policy.
The former two-division champion, McGregor, received a retroactive 18-month ban due to his failure on three separate occasions to provide his whereabouts for drug testing samples to CSAD.
His suspension is set to conclude in March of next year. Theoretically, this would make McGregor eligible to compete at the highly anticipated UFC White House event in the summer, a card he has publicly expressed a strong desire to be a part of.
However, many fans across social media are convinced that this latest setback for the 37-year-old fighter signals the definitive end of his illustrious career in combat sports.
Fan Reactions to McGregor`s Ban
The news of McGregor`s ban sparked a flurry of reactions among fans online:
“Oh yeah, he`s [Conor McGregor] definitely never fighting again.”
Another speculated that McGregor`s temporary absence from social media was a prelude to this news breaking:
“Bro goes off social media just prior to this news breaking.”
Yet, some saw a glimmer of hope regarding his potential return date:
“Would make him eligible just in time for White House event in June.”
A commenter suggested that Michael Chandler, who was set to face McGregor at UFC 303, should come to terms with the likely cancellation of their bout:
“Somebody check on Chandler. Dude thought for a second he was actually gonna get his match.”
Another user sarcastically remarked on the timing of McGregor`s eligibility:
“Very convenient eligibility date. Definitely not performative b——-.”
UFC Urged to Proceed Without McGregor at White House Event
Despite McGregor`s fervent desire to headline a major summer event – which UFC President Dana White has promised will be one of the best in promotional history – some are urging the UFC to proceed without him. Skepticism has been voiced about whether the promotion truly needs McGregor (or even former heavyweight champion Jon Jones) for the event`s success; one decorated ex-champion suggested the show would be a breeze even without either star.
