UFC veteran Matt Brown has expressed skepticism about Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon, a sentiment that has grown stronger after McGregor withdrew from his scheduled comeback fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 due to an injury. The specifics of the injury and a timeline for McGregor’s return remain unclear, fueling Brown’s doubts.
Brown, who had previously questioned McGregor’s commitment to a comeback, now believes that the Irish fighter’s career in the UFC may be over. He hopes to be proven wrong, as he would like to see McGregor return to his former glory through a rigorous training camp and competition. However, Brown suggests that if McGregor does decide to compete again, it might be more sensible for him to consider boxing, which would be less demanding on his body, particularly his shin, which was severely injured in 2021.
Brown also reflects on the financial aspect, noting that McGregor’s substantial wealth could be a significant factor in his decision not to return to fighting. He compares the motivation of professional athletes in other sports, like basketball, where the risks are not as severe as in MMA. Brown argues that the drive and hunger that once fueled McGregor’s rise may have diminished with his financial success.
Overall, Brown’s comments highlight the uncertainty surrounding McGregor’s future in fighting, whether in the UFC or potentially in boxing, and the various factors that could influence his decision. The combat sports community continues to speculate on what the future holds for the former two-division UFC champion.