Conor McGregor vents frustration with UFC negotiations with deleted tweet
MMA Fighting
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Conor McGregor has expressed frustration over the UFC's slow progress in finalizing his return to the octagon. The former two-division champion shared on social media that he accepted an offered matchup and date but is still waiting for the contract after more than two weeks. McGregor, who last fought in 2021, initially planned to face Michael Chandler but was sidelined by injury. He later shifted his focus to fighting "a no name" opponent as suggested by the UFC.
The situation has been ongoing since last year when McGregor was scheduled to return at UFC 303 against Chandler but withdrew due to an injury sustained in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Despite the UFC's apparent disinterest in booking him against Chandler, McGregor continues to express his preference for that bout. He has been vocal about his eagerness to return and has repeatedly urged the promotion to expedite the contract process.
McGregor's prolonged wait highlights the complexities of negotiating high-profile fights in the UFC. The situation also underscores the challenges fighters face when balancing their career plans with promotional demands. McGregor's influence and legacy make this a significant issue for fans, as his eventual return could impact the sport's direction and excitement levels.
The delay in securing the contract has sparked speculation among fans about potential opponents and
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/23/2026