Conor McGregor has strongly indicated that he will continue his fighting career, suggesting he is not retiring.
Despite recently implying he might retire and expressing satisfaction with his achievements, the Irish fighter appears to have changed his mind.
However, in a turnaround just under two weeks later, the former UFC champion in two weight classes has shifted his stance.
On Thursday, he posted a video on Instagram showing him training with pads, visible to his 46.7 million followers.
In the caption accompanying the video, he included a message directed at lightweight contenders Michael Chandler and Paddy Pimblett.
He stated, “I`m interested in the Chandler/Pimblett fight this weekend.”
Chandler and Pimblett are scheduled to compete early Sunday morning as part of the UFC 314 event in Miami.
Chandler was previously expected to be McGregor`s opponent for a comeback fight last June, but this was cancelled due to McGregor sustaining a broken toe.
Despite this setback, Chandler remains hopeful for a future fight with McGregor, a sentiment echoed by Pimblett.
Pimblett acknowledged McGregor`s post during the UFC 314 pre-fight press conference, saying he had seen it and that a fight with McGregor is appealing due to the financial opportunity.
He added, however, that his immediate focus is on his fight with Michael Chandler.
Chandler responded to McGregor`s message by acknowledging McGregor`s interest in returning, but questioned whether McGregor is currently prepared to undertake a training camp.
Chandler emphasized his own activity in the sport, highlighting his recent fights and willingness to face different opponents.
McGregor has not competed in the UFC octagon since suffering a leg injury in his fight with Dustin Poirier nearly four years ago.
His next fight would also mark his return to competition after being found liable in a civil case for an assault in Dublin in December 2018.
McGregor is appealing the court`s verdict and hopes new evidence will lead to a reversal of the civil trial outcome.
