Conor McGregor has not fought in the UFC since breaking his leg in July 2021 and was set to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303, a bout that fell through due to injury. Instead of focusing on a return to the octagon, McGregor has expressed ambitions to run for President of Ireland, believing he can effect positive change. Jake Paul has speculated that McGregor's absence from competition is tied to the UFC's ongoing negotiations for a new television rights deal, which opens in January 2025; McGregor's contract, with two fights remaining, is seen as a leverage point in these talks. Despite calls for a December fight, UFC president Dana White has indicated that McGregor's return may be postponed until 2025. Analysis of McGregor's recent training footage has led some, including Chael Sonnen, to question whether he is truly ready for a comeback, citing concerns about his striking technique. Overall, McGregor's future remains uncertain as he navigates both political aspirations and the complexities of his fighting career.