Dana White Offers Grim Update on Conor McGregor: ‘Not Even Close’
In the world of mixed martial arts, UFC CEO Dana White has provided a concerning update about Conor McGregor’s return. White stated that the promotion is “not even close” to finalizing a deal for McGregor. This announcement continues the trend of challenges surrounding the UFC’s biggest stars.
Challenges for UFC’s Biggest Stars
In recent years, UFC has struggled to book its biggest names, including Conor McGregor, Ronda Rousey, and Jon Jones. Each of these fighters has encountered difficulties that may keep them out of the octagon.
Ronda Rousey Moves to MVP Promotion
- Ronda Rousey is set to fight Gina Carano for Jake Paul’s MVP promotion on Netflix.
- Despite receiving a lucrative pay-per-view offer from Dana White to return to UFC, she declined.
- Rousey commented on UFC’s strategy, suggesting they focus on minimizing costs rather than showcasing the best fights.
Jon Jones Out of the Picture
- Jon Jones expressed a desire to compete at the UFC White House card.
- He was ultimately replaced by Ciryl Gane, who is set to face Alex Pereira at ‘Freedom Fights 250.’
- Dana White remarked that Jones was never a serious candidate for the card and hinted at Jones’ retirement status.
Current Situation with Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor remains the UFC’s final superstar awaiting a contract. Recent discussions about his potential return have not led to concrete results. McGregor has voiced his frustrations regarding the ongoing negotiations.
- Despite expressing enthusiasm for his return, McGregor has received no official contract from the UFC.
- He described his interactions with UFC as a continuous cycle of negotiations with no finalized agreements.
- His manager, Audi Attar, is scheduled for a face-to-face meeting in Las Vegas to discuss possible offers.
Future Prospects
The current state leaves fans questioning whether the UFC will be willing to invest in fighters like McGregor, Rousey, and Jones. The possibility of them competing again seems increasingly distant, and UFC may face criticism for their handling of these star athletes.
As Dana White indicates, the likelihood of McGregor returning to the octagon any time soon remains uncertain. The UFC’s reluctance to finalize deals raises concerns about the future of its premier fighters.
