Conor McGregor out through end of year due to medical suspension?

Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor confirmed Monday that he underwent successful surgery to repair the gruesome fractures of his tibia and fibula he suffered in Saturday's loss to Dustin Poirier in the main event of UFC 264. 

McGregor vowed to return, but it appears he won't be good to go anytime soon. 

Alan Dawson of Business Insider reported Tuesday that McGregor cannot step back into the octagon until Jan. 7, 2022, at the earliest due to a medical suspension. 

"McGregor needs orthopedic doctor clearance of [his] fractured left leg or no contest until Jan. 7, 2022," a statement given to Business Insider said. 

Additionally, the outspoken Irishman is banned from any contact training until Aug. 10 and is on suspension until Aug. 25 at the earliest. 

The previously mentioned Poirier is expected to challenge UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at some point down the road. According to an ESPN piece, UFC president Dana White is planning for McGregor to get a fourth career fight versus Poirier after that title matchup. 

Poirier defeated McGregor this past Saturday and in January, while McGregor won the first meeting between the two in September 2014. Even before Tuesday's development, logic suggested McGregor wouldn't physically be recovered from this latest setback before the end of the year.