Conor McGregor reveals ideal timeline for return after UFC 303 injury withdrawal

Three weeks from the day that Conor McGregor suffered a damaged toe, he’s itching to return to the cage as quickly as doable.

McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) was in attendance Saturday at 3Arena in Dublin for Bellator Champions Collection to nook teammate Sinead Kavanagh on the primary card. McGregor revealed backstage to Extreme MMA that his toe continues to be giving him points regardless of stem cell therapy.

“We simply regulate,” McGregor stated. “Every part is shifting. Every part is shifting elements, so I’m good. The harm is a nuisance. It’s painful. I’m not going to lie. It’s very, very painful – in all probability much more than the leg, and that’s the reality. I’ll let you know why: The leg was not less than wrapped up. I couldn’t entry it. The foot is simply there nonetheless. It’s prefer it’s uncovered or one thing. It’s a bit painful, but it surely comes with the territory. I want to only dial it in, get my coaching camps appropriate.”

McGregor, who nonetheless is in slippers to ease the ache of shifting round on the harm that prompted him to withdraw from UFC 303 vs. Michael Chandler, stated he goals to return someday within the two-to-three-month vary. The UFC nor its CEO Dana White has shed any mild on their hopes or plans for that return.

“August-September … August-September, I’d love,” McGregor stated. “You understand how it’s. I’m in restoration mode.”

Regardless, McGregor thinks he made the best transfer to withdraw from the bout, notably since the newest time he competed was in 2021 when he fractured his leg in a struggle vs. Dustin Poirier. It wasn’t a simple alternative, McGregor stated.

“The UFC has been stellar,” McGregor stated. “They’ve actually gone above for me. I’m so grateful for that as a result of I used to be in a darkish place. Now, I’m all proper. I’m coming. I’m all proper. I’m getting there once more. I’m able to go once more – quickly sufficient. I’m simply very appreciative of them helping me. I’m unhappy for the followers that wished the leisure of the pay-per-view, of the press convention and the pay-per-view and the cardboard and all. However look, it was simply a kind of damned issues.

“How might I justify making that stroll once more after which be stationary, flat on the toes, after which saying to my followers afterward, ‘Oh, this occurred however I made the stroll for you guys’? The followers have seen this. I can’t do it once more. In the event you’re paying that a lot, you should see the very best of me. In order that’s what they’re going to see. It’s on me now and my staff of coaches and my staff of coaching companions to actually dial it in and make it possible for occurs – and I’m assured we are going to.”