Conor McGregor claimed that he will be back to fighting by the end of 2024, but UFC CEO Dana White seems to be thinking just the opposite. “The Notorious” revealed that his foot injury is almost healed and he will return soon, but Dana has clearly stated that McGregor will not fight this year.
After listening to Dana White’s statement, the Irishman quickly took X and expressed his disappointment over this. “Ah, Dana, December is the date! Bring the calendar year home with a winning event! Come on now, What’s this? I’m going to altitude next month to prepare. December! Tell Dana and UFC WE WANT DECEMBER! WE DESERVE DECEMBER,” wrote McGregor. It seems like the former UFC champion wants to fight this year, but White seems uninterested.
Dana is clear about his thoughts
Earlier, at Dana White’s Contender Series post-fight press conference, the UFC CEO shared his thoughts of McGregor’s return. Dana revealed that he is in touch with “The Notorious” and clearly stated that he will not fight in 2024, despite his desire to return. “We talked, he wants to fight, so we’ll figure it out,” said Dana White.
Unlike McGregor, Dana White expressed his thoughts on a possible return date and said, Not this year. He won’t fight this year.”
McGregor vs. Chandler has been in talks since last year
The Mystic Mac was set to face Michael Chandler after the wrap of The Ultimate Fighter last year. The clash that was supposed to take place at UFC 303 has been postponed and is yet to reach fruition. McGrego and Chandler have not yet been able to face each other because of multiple reasons. Fans were waiting for the Irishman to return at UFC 303 after a long hiatus of three years. However, McGregor suffered a pinky toe injury and withdrew from the fight. Later, Alex Pereira stepped up to headline the event and faced Jiri Prochazka to defend his title.
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Chandler is open to a new fight contract
Conor McGregor stated that the injury would not keep him out for long and hoped to return to fighting soon. However, Dana White’s recent thoughts on his comeback are contradictory. When Conor McGregor expressed his desire to fight Nate Diaz in a trilogy bout, the UFC president claimed it would not happen. If McGregor doesn’t return in 2024, “Iron” might look for other fights. Chandler also recently, in an interview, said that his legacy is not hinged upon the McGregor fight. Chandler further stated that he is open to receiving new fight offers.
