Dana White isn’t even thinking about Conor McGregor right now. ‘The Notorious’ was, of course, scheduled to make his much-awaited comeback after three years at UFC 303 this June. However, a broken toe forced him to make the unprecedented decision to pull out of his Michael Chandler bout.
This is the second high-profile injury in the past year for the UFC, as heavyweight champion Jon Jones had to pull out of UFC 295 last year because of a torn pec. As far as ‘Bones’ is concerned, the UFC CEO Dana White was clear that he hoped to see him in the octagon against Stipe Miocic this November.
Recently, however, Jones has reportedly suffered a serious finger injury, which could ruin White’s November plans. Since not many details are forthcoming about the extent and seriousness of the injury, ‘Bones’ may well have enough time to recover before UFC 309 in November. For Conor McGregor, however, the UFC CEO didn’t have a date.
White also claimed that he wasn’t sure if ‘Mac’ was even ready to be back, and revealed that he wasn’t ‘even thinking’ about the Irishman yet. “Obviously Jon Jones had a serious injury that he had to have surgery for and he’s recovering, and you know no secret about it I’m planning on him fighting in November,” he said in a recent interview with ‘TNT Sports’.
“And then Conor. I don’t know when Conor is coming back. I’m not even sure when Conor is ready to go, he’ll let me know. So I’m not even thinking about or talking about Conor right now,” the CEO added.
White’s claims are in sharp contrast to McGregor’s recent claims, who has been quite active on social media and even has a date in mind.
Dana White pours cold water on Conor McGregor’s comeback plans
Conor McGregor had revealed last month that he was determined to fight this year. The Dubliner has been posting pictures and videos of him working out and training for his much-awaited comeback. However, Dana White has contradicted ‘The Notorious’ and indicated that 2024 may not see ‘Mac’ back in the octagon, since most of the slots seem taken.
UFC 305 and 306 have already been announced, and UFC 307 is rumored to be an Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway featherweight and BMF title bout. UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi is unlikely to see the Irishman headline it given the animosity towards him in the Muslim world. And UFC 309, as White mentioned, will probably see a Jones-Miocic clash. This leaves only UFC 310 in December as a possible return date for ‘Mac’ this year.
It is therefore safe to say that if McGregor fights this year, it would be no sooner than December. Unless, of course, another PPV card opens up because of injury or any such mishaps on the part of the headliners. What are your thoughts on Dana White’s comments about Conor McGregor and Jon Jones?