UFC fans were quick to share their concerns about Conor McGregor’s proposed return to the octagon after seeing him party in Abu Dhabi.
The mixed martial arts superstar is currently targeting a blockbuster return to the cage in the first quarter of 2023.
INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMAConor McGregor was in Abu Dhabi over the weekend to promote his Black Forge line of Irish Stout[/caption]
INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMAThe UFC superstar raised a glass of his stout in the air as he partied with fiancee Dee Devlin and his friends[/caption]
INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMAMcGregor partied with an second-generation UFC world title[/caption]
INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMA fans began to question McGregor’s eagerness to fight after seeing him partying[/caption]
But some fight fans are sceptical after seeing the Irishman enjoying himself during a promotional event in Abu Dhabi.
McGregor, 34, was spotted enjoying himself in the UAE on Saturday night at an event to promote his Black Forge line of Irish stout.
The former two-division champion – who was donning an expensive yellow shirt – was the picture of happiness as he partied with revellers and his pals at the plush event.
But letting his hair down after a long stint filming the remake of Road House has left some questioning his desire to return to the octagon.
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One fight fan tweeted: “Yeah this guy is constantly partying while the top fighters in the world are training and getting better.
“He’s done as a fighter.”
Another said of McGregor hoisting an old UFC title aloft: “He’ll never have a new one.”
And another said: “He needs to get in the USADA pool.
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“People are gonna forget about him real soon.”
One remarked: “This really looks like a retired Conor.”
Another chimed in: “Will he come back next year?”
Fan favourite McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since suffering a horrific broken leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier last July.
APConor McGregor suffered a broken leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier last July[/caption]
INSTAGRAM@THENOTORIOUSMMAThe Notorious is seemingly primed and ready to return to the octagon next year[/caption]
But he’s hoping to be back in the cage early next year, recently saying: “I’m going to be back soon, hopefully.
“Early 2023 I’m aiming for. Sometime in that first quarter.
“That will give me a good couple of months [to prepare].
“Once I wrap this [filming Road House] up in a couple of days, get the camp going [for] a good couple of months. And get going.”
McGregor, however, must first re-enrol in the United States Anti-Doping Agency’s testing pool for a minimum of six months before he can compete.
The UFC, however, can waive the requirement provided the Dubliner returns two negative tests.