Dana White Shockingly Downplays Conor McGregor's UFC Future: "He's F****** Rich"

UFC CEO Dana White is uncertain as to if or when Conor McGregor will return to MMA.

Zain Bando | Feb 18, 2024

Dana White Shockingly Downplays Conor McGregor's UFC Future: "He's F****** Rich" /

UFC CEO Dana White briefly revealed the hold-up with former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor Saturday night in Anaheim.

McGregor, who has been out of action since July 2021 due to a leg break suffered in the UFC 264 trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier, will not return to the Octagon immediately despite an extended absence, White said.

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"Well, first problem [regarding the delay] was he broke that shin bone," White told reporters at the UFC 298 post-fight press conference. "He was recovering from that. That was one of the reasons we hadn't [announced his next fight]. The other problem is, he's f****** rich."

White was asked how McGregor's richness has impacted a return to the UFC, which he semi-answered. White didn't press further when contract negotiations were brought up, nor who a potential opponent could wind up being should McGregor return to the Octagon.

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To put it simply, White said it's up to McGregor, who became the first man in company history to hold two belts simultaneously when he's ready to compete again.

"Anytime we get Conor, we'll be thrilled when he comes back and fights," White said. "But, money complicates a lot of things. He just filmed a movie. He's gotta do the press for the movie and he's got obligations with that. And, he does want to fight this year, but we'll see what happens."

McGregor coached opposite former UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler in the summer of 2023. The pair were linked to a potential fight, but, at press time, there is still no movement on the status of the fight.

Whether McGregor will return to MMA remains to be seen, but for now, only time will tell.

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Published Feb 18, 2024

ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99