Conor McGregor’s absence from UFC has been deeply felt by his fans despite the mixed martial artist prominently featuring in other ventures such as the upcoming film Road House. Meanwhile, McGregor has not featured in a UFC fight for over two years after sustaining a serious injury back in July 2021.
In a recent interview, UFC boss Dana White was asked about McGregor’s recovery from injury and impending return to the octagon. However, White has some vague responses regarding McGregor’s UFC return and failed to reassure the latter’s fans. As a result, fans took to social media to voice their displeasure with White’s efforts to bring McGregor back to UFC. Here is what fans are saying about White’s comments online.
Dana White Reveals Why Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Is Taking So Long
Conor McGregor last appeared in a UFC fight on 10 July 2021 at UFC 264, where he suffered a broken tibia, which sidelined the former UFC Featherweight Champion for months. However, despite having over two years to recover, McGregor is yet to make his return to UFC.
In February 2024, UFC CEO Dana White sat down for a conversation with journalist Kevin Iole. During the interview, White was asked about the reasons behind McGregor’s extended hiatus from the UFC and expected return.
In response, White stated that McGregor suffered an injury that can take a while to recover from and cited fighters Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman as an example.
“The guys who break that bone – that’s an issue right there, number one. Number two is Conor McGregor doesn’t need the f**king money. So, when you don’t need the money, it’s not as easy. I mean, Khabib. Khabib doesn’t need the money, Khabib retired.”
Aside from McGregor’s injury, White also touched on the fighter’s financial situation, implying that bringing McGregor back was out of his control. White also stated that he did not have an update regarding McGregor’s fitness level and could not comment on whether the mixed martial arts superstar was fit enough to book a professional fight.
Unhappy Fans Bash Dana White For Failing to Bring Back Conor McGregor
After White’s comments on McGregor’s absence from the UFC reached online, fans became unhappy with the UFC CEO. Many fans were left dejected by the lack of clarity or concrete updates from White.
Here is what fans are saying about Dana White’s perceived lack of effort to bring back McGregor on X.
I don’t think Dana wants to pay him. UFC is doing just fine as is and it’s not appealing to Dana to pay one fighter eight figures to pop a buy rate on one ppv.
— Dave Bootista (@Dave_Bootista) February 14, 2024
So obvious they want to extend his contract and he wants to fight it out
— jray (@podsox19) February 14, 2024
It’s pretty obvious what’s going on. Conor has 2 fights left on his deal. They want him to sign a longer deal or else he’s not gonna fight. Not the first time they’re gonna do this. They made him sit out the entire covid period.
— Aaryaman Sharma (@sharmaaaryaman7) February 14, 2024
He’s been out significantly longer than Silva and Weidman were. Dude has said he’s good to go for months so someone is lying here.
— chris (@chriwill2) February 14, 2024
This is why dana doesn't pay fighters proper money. if they all had good money his control over them making them fight these guys would significantly dwindle. no one would take short notice fights, fighters would never fight with an injury etc
— Mario🥊🥋🥷🏻🫵🏻💯🤑 (@SuperSmash87) February 14, 2024
As the tweets suggest, most fans are unhappy with White’s comments and blamed the UFC CEO for not booking McGregor a comeback fight.
McGregor is set to star opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in the upcoming action film Road House, which will be released on March 8, 2024. Meanwhile, in December 2023, it was reported that McGregor would make his comeback in a fight against Michael Chandler. In January 2024, McGregor himself teased his return at UFC 300 through a tweet. However, at present, McGregor is not officially booked for a UFC fight.
