In a significant blow to fans and the UFC community, Conor McGregor has been forced to withdraw from his planned bout against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 due to injury. As a result, a short-notice main event between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka has been arranged, with hopes of rescheduling the highly anticipated McGregor vs. Chandler fight for a later date this year.

However, this latest setback has stirred concerns among UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, who expressed doubts about McGregor's return to the cage. Cormier shared his apprehensions on his YouTube channel, pointing out that fellow fighter Ben Askren believes McGregor's fighting days are over. "Especially knowing what his life looks like outside of fighting," Cormier said, referring to McGregor's extravagant and adventurous lifestyle. "I don't know that people could blame him if he wants to walk away from this."

McGregor's last appearance in the Octagon was marred by a devastating leg injury at UFC 265 in July 2021. While he has expressed his intention to make a comeback, the Irish superstar has also been occupied with various other endeavors, including his acting role alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the Road House remake. With so many demands on his time, Cormier wonders if McGregor will ultimately decide that enough is enough.

"I thought Conor McGregor was going to come back because, to me, Conor McGregor is a fighter," Cormier stated. "But I'm starting to think... I just don't know that he wants to fight, especially right now." He further expressed skepticism that McGregor would make an appearance in the Octagon in 2024, should the proposed rescheduling fail to materialize.

While McGregor's withdrawal undoubtedly affects him personally, it also has implications for Michael Chandler. The fighter has patiently waited for over 18 months for McGregor's return, but as the likelihood of that happening diminishes, Cormier believes Chandler should reevaluate his options. Despite Chandler's desire for a matchup with McGregor, Cormier emphasized that his goals of becoming a world champion should not be contingent on one specific fight.

"Michael Chandler still needs to fight," Cormier asserted. "I don't know that even if he wins, if this fight moves him closer to being world champion." Chandler now faces the decision of exploring other opportunities rather than continuing to wait indefinitely for a matchup that may never come to fruition.

As the days pass without any further developments, the fighting future of Conor McGregor remains uncertain. Fans and fellow fighters can only hope that the charismatic Irishman will find renewed motivation and determination to step back into the Octagon and reclaim his place among the UFC elite.