The mixed martial arts community has been left divided after a public clash between UFC president Dana White and former two-division champion Conor McGregor over the Irishman’s return to the octagon.
During a press conference for the Dana White Contender Series (DWCS), White made a shocking announcement, stating that McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the UFC would not happen this year. “We talked, yeah we talked. We didn’t meet up but we talked and yeah he wants to fight so we’ll figure it out… Not this year, he won’t fight this year,” the UFC president said.
However, McGregor quickly fired back, taking to Twitter to dispute White’s claims. “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!” the former champion tweeted.
This public disagreement has left fans unsure of who to believe, as McGregor’s eagerness to compete in December 2024 seems to clash with White’s assertion that the Irishman will not return this year. The situation has also raised concerns about the relationship between the two prominent figures in the sport.
Fans have been waiting for McGregor’s return to the octagon for over three years, as the Irishman has been plagued by injuries and other commitments. His last fight in the UFC was a loss to Dustin Poirier in 2021, and since then, there have been numerous rumors and speculations about his future.
The uncertainty surrounding McGregor’s return has also affected other fighters, such as Michael Chandler, who had called out the Irishman in the past. Chandler had even suggested that McGregor should move on and take other fights, but with the latest development, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.
As the mixed martial arts community eagerly awaits the resolution of this dispute, one thing is clear: the relationship between Dana White and Conor McGregor continues to be a source of intrigue and tension within the sport.
