Dana White Drops Bombshell Update on Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler Clash
Dana White delivered a rather somber update on the highly anticipated Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler fight during the post-fight press conference for UFC Vegas 74.
McGregor and Chandler were set to clash later this year after serving as opposing coaches on Season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter. However, at present, Conor McGregor has yet to submit his first drug testing sample to the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). As a result, the Irishman’s planned return to the Octagon cannot happen for at least another six months.
When questioned about the potential of the McGregor vs. Chandler fight falling through, Dana White responded with the following remarks during the press conference:
“I never get concerned. We have a massive roster of people who want to come in, fight, and aspire to be at Conor McGregor’s level. For the past 20 years, people have constantly asked what we would do when fighters like Chuck Liddell, GSP, or Anderson Silva retire. But this is a professional sport. Fighters come, achieve great things, and then retire. It’s a part of the game. My job, along with my team, is to find new talent and build them up.”
White further explained, “Conor called me a couple of days ago, expressing his love for the first episode of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ and how happy he was to be a part of it. Being here, in this environment, reignited his passion for fighting. However, one thing you must understand is that Conor and fighters like Khabib have amassed a significant amount of wealth. It’s challenging to reel these guys in and motivate them to step back into the octagon.”
Conor McGregor, with a record of 22-6, has been absent from the fight scene since suffering a broken leg in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. Fans eagerly await his return, but it seems they will have to wait a while longer until the Irish superstar complies with the necessary testing procedures.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the McGregor vs. Chandler fight, the UFC remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering high-quality fights to fans. With a deep pool of talented fighters, the promotion will continue to entertain audiences while grooming the next generation of MMA stars.
As the days pass, fight enthusiasts can only hope that Conor McGregor will soon complete his obligations and make his triumphant return to the sport he helped elevate to new heights.
Ben Askren Casts Doubt on Conor McGregor’s Return to Elite Status in Sensational Showdown Against Michael Chandler
Former MMA fighter Ben Askren expresses grave concerns about Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon as the much-anticipated UFC bout between McGregor and Michael Chandler approaches in late 2023. McGregor, who sustained a devastating leg injury in back-to-back defeats to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, will be out of action for more than two years by the time he returns to the cage.
Askren, known for his forthrightness, questions not only which iteration of the former two-division champion will appear, but also whether the fight will even take place. Askren discussed McGregor’s lack of training videos and his seemingly carefree lifestyle on the Funky & The Champ programme. He stated:
“Every video I see, he’s partying, he’s dancing, he’s drinking. I don’t know. Is this guy taking it seriously anymore? And listen, he’s rich. He can do whatever he wants, apparently. But we also don’t have to consider him a really elite fighter, and he needs to prove that to us again.”
Expressing his skepticism about McGregor’s commitment to fighting regularly, Askren remarked, “I am not under the belief that Conor McGregor is ever going to fight regularly… He’s fought four times in six years. Why would he fight three or four times in one year? That’s crazy talk. And I’m not even convinced he’s [going to actually end up] fighting Michael Chandler.”
McGregor, who gained worldwide fame as the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion in 2016, has been relatively absent from the sport since then. While he has achieved great success in his business ventures, including the sale of his majority stake in Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey, his in-cage performances have faltered. Askren questions whether the McGregor who once dominated the sport will ever return.
While Askren acknowledges the possibility of Chandler defeating McGregor, he also notes the unpredictable nature of Chandler’s fights. This opens the door for McGregor to potentially seize a victory. The outcome of this high-stakes clash could have significant implications, including a shot at a title for the victor.
More UFC news
- “I want legacy fights” – Max Holloway still wants a piece of retired Khabib Nurmagomedov
- Dana White reveals if Hasbulla will fight in the UFC
- “Keep babysitting my belt” -Henry Cejudo’s interesting take on latest Khabib Nurmagomedov and Hasbulla Magomedov photo
Follow our dedicated UFC page for instant UFC news and updates
