UFC CEO Dana White delivered a shocking update to Conor McGregor’s much-anticipated return. In a revelation that left fans alike scratching their heads, White announced that the former two-division champion won’t be gracing the octagon with his presence in 2024. This news comes as a gut punch to fight enthusiasts who have been eagerly awaiting McGregor’s comeback since his devastating leg injury at UFC 264 in July 2021.
White didn’t mince words when speaking at his Contender Series media scrum. He referred to recent conversations with McGregor. Moreover, the UFC CEO softened the ultimate low by assuring everyone that the ‘Notorious’ will fight. But then came the bombshell news.
“We talked. We talked,” White said. “We didn’t meet up but we talked, and yeah, he wants to fight. So we’ll figure it out…“[But] not this year. He won’t fight this year,” said White.
This announcement disrupts the UFC’s 2024 plans, as they were counting on McGregor’s return to be one of the year’s biggest draws. The Irishman was initially slated to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 following their stint as opposing coaches on TUF. However, a toe injury forced McGregor to withdraw, leaving fans and Chandler in limbo.
White’s revelation is particularly perplexing given McGregor’s own statements. The Dublin native has been vocal about his desire to return, even suggesting multiple comeback dates throughout 2023 and early 2024. It seems the UFC’s notorious loudmouth might have been a tad overenthusiastic in his predictions.
Conor McGregor Responds To Dana White’s Comments
UFC CEO’s recent update about McGregor’s return sent shockwaves through the MMA community. It apparently also jolted awake to the ‘Notorious’ as he challenged his statements and responded immediately to these claims.
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The Irish superstar took to social media to tell his side of the story. He believed that Dana White was hastily announcing his unavailability for this year. McGregor said he would be back by the end of this year, proving once again that he was as unpredictable outside the cage as he was inside it.
“Ah Dana, December is the date! Bring the calendar year home with a winning event! Come on now, what’s this? I am off to altitude next month to prepare. DECEMBER! Tell Dana and UFC WE WANT DECEMBER! WE DESERVE DECEMBER!” wrote McGregor.
This back-and-forth between McGregor and White is reminiscent of a high-stakes poker game. On the one hand, a cool and calculated UFC boss is trying to manage expectations and possibly protect his star fighter. On the other hand, there is the fiery and impulsive McGregor, who is eager to prove he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Also Read: Dana White Doubles Down On Jon Jones’ Pound-For-Pound Supremacy
