Conor McGregor drops biggest hint yet about UFC future with cryptic message

Conor McGregor, the former two-division champion, seems ready to explore new opportunities as he approaches the end of his current UFC contract. 'The Notorious' has been out of action since his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021.

The 36 year old was set to face Michael Chandler earlier this year but had to withdraw due to a training injury and UFC CEO Dana White has remained tight-lipped about McGregor's future, though he hinted that a fight next year is possible.

When questioned about McGregor's sexual assault case, White gave a terse reply: "What do you mean, what's my reaction? " he said to a journalist. "If I had a comment, I would've put it out already." Pressed further on McGregor's UFC status and potential return, White said: "He hasn't been fighting here in, I don't know how long. Well, if he does fight, it'll be sometime next year."

Despite White's comments about a possible fight next year, McGregor appears to be setting his sights beyond the UFC. In a now-deleted tweet on X - previously known as Twitter - McGregor shared a gif from the movie Braveheart, featuring Mel Gibson's character yelling "freedom."

The social media ripples made by McGregor imply a potential departure from UFC after he completes his two remaining bouts on the current contract. Despite hinting at a willingness to move on, the 36 year old fighter has named Chandler as his forthcoming rival, stating, "Nineteen KOs in pro MMA. That's not my business, though. Great chat, Dana White. Love your thinking," following their exchange.

Chandler, coming off a defeat by Charles Oliveira, didn't miss a beat, daring McGregor with, "Remember in the cold tub doing TUF coaches' challenge you said I'd be your 20th? Show up and try me? " McGregor, ever ready for confrontation, shot back, "It's you! Rest up and I'll see you at the top."

As McGregor's 37th birthday approaches in July, it's apparent that his fighting days could be waning. Still, keen to rack up more battles inside the octagon, 'The Notorious' seems poised for a return, underscored by reports of major personal upheavals — McGregor is contemplating leaving Ireland.

This follows a recent legal setback where McGregor was deemed responsible for assaulting Nikita Hand at a Dublin hotel in 2018, resulting in a £200,000 damages fee after an extensive eight-day court case. The renowned MMA figure intends to challenge this verdict in court.

Sources close to Conor McGregor, also known as 'The Notorious', claim he is contemplating a permanent move back to the States with his family, according to reports by the Irish Mirror. An insider revealed: "Conor has been completely rattled by the devastating fallout as a result of losing the civil case. He is going to appeal the verdict to clear his name. He is genuinely very upset by it all and the manner in which he feels he has been betrayed.

"But the commercial damage in Britain and Ireland has been massive with retailers refusing to sell his stout and Proper No 12 whiskey. However the court case has not been as damaging commercially in the United States where most of his fans are standing by him. He wants out of Ireland for the moment and to move back to the States."