UFC News: Conor McGregor's Comeback 'Not As Easy' As It Looks, Says Dana White
There's a lot of working cogs that come with making Conor McGregor's next fight... UFC CEO Dana White would know.
By the time he does return, it will have been about three years since the UFC superstar was in the heat of battle– with his last fight ending due to a brutal leg injury at the hands of Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
Fast forward to 2024 and the recovered McGregor is gunning for a fight, which still hasn't been booked despite his desires to get back in the Octagon ASAP.
Conor McGregor Gives Update on UFC Return That’s ‘Bigger’ Than the Super Bowl
On Tuesday, White was asked why it's taking so long for 'The Notorious' to come back, citing several reasons for the wait.
"First of all, he is coming back from one of the nastiest injuries you could come back from," White told Kevin Iole. "How long was Anderson Silva out when he did it? How long was Chris Weidman out when he did it? The guys who break that bone. So, that's an issue right there, number one.
"Number two is Conor McGregor doesn't need the f*cking money. So, when you don't need the money, it's not as easy. I mean, Khabib doesn't need the money. Khabib retired."
McGregor's made million of dollars throughout his UFC career, both inside and out of the Octagon. While he definitely doesn't need to, the Irishman has made it clear he wants to compete again.
As for when? That seems to be the most-asked question, along with what his health is looking like at 35 years of age, especially coming off a very serious injury.
"Well, I don't know that, only Conor knows that," White said, when asked if McGregor's healthy enough to fight. "These are questions for Conor McGregor. Not me, Conor. I know he is training. I don't know what level of training he is doing. I don't know what level of kicking he is doing right now. I don't know any of that stuff."
Continuing on, White says booking a McGregor fight is a lot more complicated than what it seems and that's probably why we won't see the fighter headline the historic UFC 300 card in April.
"I need to know the guy's in a full camp and he is ready to go," White added. "Conor McGregor has a movie coming out. He's got businesses that he is building. It's just a completely different dynamic when you're dealing with a guy that has this kind of money."
If anybody can get a deal done with Conor McGregor, it's Dana White, who has helped build the mega-star as well the UFC to where it is today.
UFC Fans Shocked as Dana White Reveals New Conor McGregor Return Timeline
If you use any quotes from this article, please leave an H/T to MMAKnockout.com for the transcription.
Stick with MMA Knockout for more daily coverage of the UFC and MMA