Conor McGregor may never fight again

Conor McGregor will not return to UFC action until April 2018, according to reports.

The Notorious had been linked with a bout before 2018, but it now appears that will not happen.

McGregor’s coach John Kavanagh is quoting as saying the Dubliner won’t fight again until “until April or mid next year”.

MMA journalist Farah Hannoun tweeted: “Just saw John Kavanagh who was very surprised by the Woodley vs. Diaz rumours.

“Says Conor probably won’t return until April or mid next year. Still have to go through negotiations with the #UFC to place deal for next fight.”

Just two weeks ago, McGregor issued an apology for jumping inside the Octagon and pushing a referee.

He climbed the cage and argued with the official as his teammate Charlie Ward won at a Bellator event in Dublin.

McGregor insists he did so out of safety concern for fighter John Redmond, who was barely conscious on the canvas.

On Instagram, he posted: “I sincerely apologize for my behaviour at last weekend’s fight event in Dublin. While trying to support a loyal teammate and friend, I let my emotions get the best of me and acted out of line.

“As a multiple weight UFC champion, executive producer, role model and public figure, I must hold myself to a higher standard.

“The referee Marc Gonard was making a horrendous decision in trying to pick an unconscious fighter up off the floor and force the fight to continue into the second round.

“Even against the wishes of the said fighters coach. The fight was over.

“After witnessing my fighter in a fight where the worst happened and the opponent passed away from his injuries on the night, I thought the worst was about to happen again, and I lost it and over reacted. I am sorry to everyone.

“I sincerely apologize to the Director of the Mohegan Tribe Department of Athletic Regulation, Mike Mazzulli, all the officials and staff working the event, Andy Ryan and his fighter John, two stonch ones that put up a great fight every time.

“That side will always have my respect, and lastly every one of my fans. I love yous all!

“I’ve always learned from my mistakes and this will be no different.”

Meanwhile, Gardaí have said they are ‘aware’ of reports linking McGregor to a fight in the Crumlin area of Dublin city, after reports surfaced of the fighter being involved in a brawl at the Black Forge pub in the Crumlin area.

The reports surfaced after witnesses posted statuses and voice notes across social media reporting that McGregor had been involved in the brawl.

This led newspapers to report about a ‘celebrity’ being involved in a brawl in the same pub, without directly naming the MMA champion.

McGregor further added fuel to speculation of his involvement by posting a cryptic picture of himself under a hoodie with the caption simply reading “the celebrity”.

However, UFC chief Dana White was quick to shoot down reports that McGregor was involved, saying; “I don’t think it’s true,

“Because if it was true, it would be big. Conor can walk down the street and it’s big news now. If this were true, I just have to believe it would be off-the-charts crazy.”

Whatever happens, this story is definitely one to watch in the near future.