"All of it is just too big"- Dan Hooker explains the challenges Conor McGregor faces that could derail his comeback plans

Conor McGregor's return to combat sports has been one of the most discussed topics of 2024. The Irishman featured alongside Michael Chandler as respective coaches for season 31 of 'The Ultimate Fighter' in 2023, so many fans expected to see McGregor in the octagon last year.

But delays to his re-entry into the USADA drug testing program, as well as media obligations stemming from his role in the 'Road House' movie with the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal, left 'The Notorious' unable to return to the UFC.

There were rumors that the former two-division UFC champion could face Dan Hooker in a Bare Knuckle FC match, with McGregor a co-owner of the company. But those discussions have all but stopped, with the Kiwi now sharing his thoughts on the Irishman's struggles with returning to combat sports.

During a recent interview with Combat TV, Hooker cited the major investments and businesses that 'The Notorious' has been involved with for years as the main reason.

He said this:

"He's got so much stuff going on... Energy drinks, beers, movies and stuff coming out. To pause that all for three or four months and do a training camp, the guy would lose more money than he'd make. I can't see how that machine would pause and you would be able to train... All of it is just too big."

Check out Dan Hooker discussing Conor McGregor below (3:20):

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Michael Chandler hasn't lost hope of a Conor McGregor fight

Conor McGregor is currently embroiled in a serious legal situation after being found guilty of sexual assault in a civil court in Ireland. His situation will make his already-complicated return to combat sports all the more difficult, should he mount a comeback at all.

But if the Irishman graces the hallowed octagon once more, Michael Chandler has shared his keenness in finishing what the pair started in 2023.

They featured as coaches of 'The Ultimate Fighter 31' and were expected to clash in the octagon following the season finale on Aug. 15, but the pair have yet to face off.

During a recent interview following the court's verdict on McGregor, Chandler was interviewed by Ariel Helwani, where he said this:

"I'm sure he wants to get back in training. Why not fight me? Why not be training to fight me in the middle of next year, International Fight Week, before that, as soon as possible? I'm ready to get back into training camp right after Jan. 1, and we can make that fight happen ASAP."

Check out Michael Chandler's comments on Conor McGregor below (26:48):