We all want to see Connor McGregor’s return to the octagon against Michael Chandler after a long hiatus. But what if the fight never happened?!
McGregor has been out of fight mode since July 2021 due to his fractured leg. His return to the cage was to be later this year with the completion of “The Ultimate Fighter 31” reality show broadcast
Continue reading to find out what Dana White has to say about finalizing this bout.
Currently, the most difficult hurdle is McGregor’s necessity to enter the USADA and deliver two clean drug tests over a six-month period. USADA recently claimed that McGregor’s paperwork would be ready soon, yet there has been no official notification of his re-entry.
That issue has placed questions on whether McGregor vs. Chandler will take place.
Currently, even UFC president Dana White doesn’t have a clear answer for fans. When asked about the fight, his tone was unsure, and his reply was unclear. However, he maintained composure and tried replying confidently.
He addressed the media, expressing his lack of concern regarding the ongoing fight situation. He reassured reporters that the organization possesses a vast pool of talented fighters eager to enter the ring. These individuals are not only prepared to compete but also aspire to achieve the same level of stardom as Conor McGregor. White highlighted that throughout the UFC’s 20-year history, people have consistently voiced worries about legendary fighter leaving.
However, he firmly stated that this is a natural part of the sport, with fighters entering, excelling, and eventually retiring. White seems unfazed by these developments. Moreover, he and his team are committed to discovering new talent and nurturing them into future stars of the sport.
When asked if McGregor vs. Chandler may fall through, White said he “can’t think like that.” However, he has battled through many difficult challenges in his 20-plus years as UFC president, and his staff always goes forward. Regarding McGregor, though, White stated that there are actual challenges that come with arranging a bout with an athlete of his caliber.
However, fans shouldn’t completely lose hope!
White also shared some exciting news about Conor McGregor. McGregor called him a few days ago and seemed enthusiastic about the first episode of ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’ Furthermore, he was thrilled to be a part of the show and appreciated the environment and experience. This reignited Conor’s desire to step back into the fighting arena.
Moreover, we can’t ignore that Conor has accumulated much wealth throughout his career, much like Khabib Nurmagomedov. When fighters reach this level of financial success, staying motivated to continue fighting gets challenging. Their comfortable lifestyle and money make it difficult for them to step back into the octagon.
We will have to wait and see how this bout proceeds. But what do you guys think? Will this fight reach the octagon? Comment your predictions below!
