Conor McGregor’s decision to withdraw from UFC 303 due to a broken pinky toe has sparked a heated debate among fans, but he has a prominent supporter in Joe Rogan, who believes it was the right choice. McGregor, known for fighting through severe injuries, opted to prioritize his health this time, a decision Rogan wholeheartedly supports.
McGregor’s track record includes overcoming significant injuries to stay on fight cards. His victory over Chad Mendes with a blown knee is legendary, but the risks are apparent. Ahead of his third fight with Dustin Poirier, McGregor was warned about micro-fractures in his left leg, yet he fought, resulting in a catastrophic leg break. This painful experience has led “The Notorious” to vow never to fight injured again.
UFC commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan defended McGregor’s decision on the JRE Fight Companion for UFC Saudi Arabia. Rogan emphasized the importance of McGregor’s health, particularly considering his fighting style.
“Look, here’s the thing about a broken pinky toe,” Rogan explained. “When you’re a guy who kicks as much as Conor, it’s a f—ing problem. And it’s also the same foot where his leg was snapped, and he went into that fight injured.”
Rogan noted that McGregor has never pulled out of a fight before, highlighting the significance of this decision. “He’s never pulled out of a fight before, this is the first one he’s pulled out of, and I think it’s wise. I think if you do have a broken toe, and you are going into a fight, and you did go into the last fight injured — what if that f—ing toe becomes a real issue? What if he throws a kick and it smashes again and he’s in agony and he can’t move?”
Movement is a crucial aspect of McGregor’s fighting style, and Rogan pointed out its importance, especially against an opponent like Michael Chandler. “You gotta be able to get the f— out of the way with Michael Chandler,” he said, underscoring the necessity of full mobility for McGregor to succeed.
Conor McGregor talks about no longer giving “little bums” an advantage by fighting injured.
“Now I’m dialing it in. I’m getting this training camp correct. I’m walking in there 100 percent Conor McGregor. Injury free.”
(via @BellatorMMA) pic.twitter.com/n4qGq7S7SH
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 22, 2024
Regardless of the backlash, the decision is final. UFC 303 on June 29th will proceed without McGregor. As for his return, McGregor aims to be rebooked around August or September, but UFC CEO Dana White is cautious, stating he won’t schedule a new date until McGregor is fully healed.
This situation raises questions about McGregor’s future. Will the UFC take a slow approach to his comeback, ensuring he’s completely ready, or is this a strategic move by Dana White after McGregor’s withdrawal from a high-revenue event? The answers will unfold in the coming months as McGregor prepares for his next move.
