Joe Rogan claims Conor McGregor will have to overcome 'curse' in his UFC return

Joe Rogan says Conor McGregor will have to overcome a 'curse' in his UFC return.

McGregor is closing in on his UFC comeback as Dana White teased a blockbuster announcement on social media.

He hasn't fought since his gruesome injury that he suffered in his defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 back in July 2021.

But the 35-year-old has recovered ahead of a proposed summer fight against Michael Chandler.

However, away from the Octagon, the Irish star has kept himself busy having starred in Road House alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.

He's wrapped up the media obligations for the movie as he begins his training camp.

And Rogan claims McGregor will have to overcome the 'movie curse' when he steps foot back in the cage.

On his podcast, where he was joined by Matt Serra, Din Thomas and John Rallo, the 56-year-old referenced Tommy Morrison.

"There's the movie curse... the Tommy Morrison curse," he said.

Morrison compiled a record of 28-0 in boxing before starring in Rocky V. Upon his return to the ring, he suffered a brutal defeat to Ray Mercer for the WBO world heavyweight title.

Rogan believes McGregor has a similar battle on his hands as he makes his first appearance in the UFC since filming Road House.

Conor McGregor and Jake Gyllenhaal at the New York premiere of Road House. Image: Getty

It's been almost three years since McGregor fought under the UFC banner.

Speaking last year, Rogan reckons the fighter's injury has played a part in his delayed UFC return.

"If it wasn’t for his leg snap, he’s still in the prime of his career, but that leg snap’s a real problem," he explained.

"If he does, he’ll be the first. If anybody does, maybe he can do it. If anybody can do it, maybe it’s him because he snapped his leg in the prime of his career. It’s a hard one to come back from. Nobody really comes back from that one."

The UFC commentator added: "You gotta think the difference is you’re kicking and you’re taking kicks. Guys are gonna kick you in that shin for sure. They’re gonna kick you in your calf. Nerve damage, all the above, and you gotta think when that leg snaps, it snaps like that and then you got all that broken bone that’s damaging all that tissue inside of it."