Dana White has poured cold water on Conor McGregor making a return to UFC in June despite ‘Notorious’ announcing it.
McGregor posted a video of himself on New Year’s Eve that he will make his long-awaited comeback in June this year, as well as revealing the opponent, date and location of the fight.
White insists McGregor has jumped the gun
“I’d like to announce the return date for myself, ‘Notorious’ Conor McGregor,” he said in a video on X.
“The greatest comeback of all time will take place in Las Vegas, International Fight Week of June 29. The opponent, Michael Chandler — and the weight, Mr. Chandler, 185 pounds.”
At the weekend, UFC president White was asked about McGregor’s announcement and suggested the Irishman was guilty of jumping the gun.
Regarding McGregor’s June declaration, White said: “Uuuuh, no. When Conor is ready to fight, you know we’ll announce it. That’s what we’ll do.”
McGregor hasn’t fought in almost three years having broken his leg in his last bout in July 2021, the trilogy face-off with Dustin Poirier.
It has been suggested that McGregor could be the big surprise at UFC 300 on April 13, although this has previously been denied.
White has said McGregor will make a comeback this year but the date, location and opponent haven’t yet been confirmed.
He’s won just once in seven years in the UFC, however, McGregor’s pull for the sport is undiminished having been the best selling pay-per-view fighter in MMA history.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) December 31, 2023
McGregor has spearheaded UFC’s move into the mainstreamCredit: Getty
Chandler would be a suitable opponent with the American yet to receive his first big payday.
The weight McGregor will fight at is a point of fascination having piled on the muscle during his time off. The 35-year-old has said he wants to take on Chandler at middleweight.