Dana White has confirmed the three factors hindering Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC.
White provided an update on McGregor’s status following the high-profile UFC 298 event in Anaheim, California, on Saturday.
McGregor has been sidelined since his TKO (doctor stoppage) loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, where he suffered an ankle injury preventing him from continuing the fight.
Despite recovering from the injury and sharing sparring footage hinting at a comeback, McGregor has yet to secure a fight date for his UFC return, with a potential bout against Michael Chandler in the talks.
According to White, three main factors are delaying McGregor’s Octagon return: his injury recovery, financial stability, and film commitments.
“The first problem is that he broke that shin bone. He’s been recovering from that,” White explained.
“The other problem is he’s financially secure. Conor McGregor does not need money.”
White also disclosed McGregor’s media obligations for the film Road House, where he stars alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. He added, “I don’t know if McGregor will fight for the UFC again. Conor McGregor has a lot of money.
We’re thrilled when he comes and fights, but money complicates a lot of things. He does want to fight this year, but we will see what happens.”
White praised McGregor as “one of the best business partners” the UFC has ever had, highlighting his professionalism and cooperation.
“For a guy that was on the dole, Conor McGregor is a very good businessman; he’s always been a great partner to us. There’s never any haggling for money; he’s never done anything remotely close to that… it’s the exact opposite,” White concluded.
