Getty Image / Brian Lawless – PA Images
The UFC updates its rankings regularly as they want everyone to know the official list at all times. Well, as it turns out, Conor McGregor is nowhere to be found in the latest update.
He was previously ranked 14th in the lightweight division. However, after a string of bad luck, the superstar fighter is no longer in the top 15.
According to MMA Junkie, this is the first time since 2013 that Conor McGregor wasn’t ranked. He was the organization’s biggest superstar and made his way up the rankings quickly. McGregor even won two belts simultaneously. Even so, it’s been a while since we’ve seen him in peak form. For that reason, he falls out of the UFC’s ranks.
Conor McGregor is out of the UFC rankings for the first time since 2013. 👀
Full story: https://t.co/9NUFOPWuOX pic.twitter.com/9vtnMCAmz7
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) December 15, 2022
There is definitely a possibility for Conor McGregor to get back into the top 15. However, it’s going to take some work. He’s taken some time off to film the new Road House film with Jake Gyllenhaal. Additionally, McGregor has been nursing the leg injury he suffered against Dustin Poirier. Meanwhile, Joe Rogan accused the UFC superstar of taking steroids during this time.
Conor McGregor has an uphill battle ahead if he hopes to get back into the rankings list. Although there is no official proof backing Rogan’s claims, McGregor must test clean for six months before re-entering the cage. Mainly due to the fact he “is not currently enrolled in the United States Anti-Doping testing pool,” per MMA Fighting.
Once he clears that, McGregor will be able to fight. As of now, there is no official matchup booked. However, top-ranked contender Michael Chandler claims he wants to face Conor McGregor in July of 2023.
So, for McGregor to get back into the top 15 of the lightweight division, he must first test clean for six months. After that, he’ll have to defeat whoever his opponent is, in which, all signs are pointing toward Michael Chandler. Keep an eye on Conor McGregor, as rumors and news will continue to pick up steam.