“He [Conor McGregor] is coming back from one of nastiest injuries you can come back from,” UFC boss says
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) boss Dana White has finally opened up on Conor McGregor’s delay over his eagerly anticipated return to the octagon.
In a recent conversation with Kevin Iole, the UFC boss said: “First of all, he is coming back from one of the nastiest injuries you can come back from. How long was Anderson Silva out for when he did it? How long was Chris Weidman out when he did it?”
His remarks come as McGregor, whose return has long been anticipated by fans, hasn’t featured in a UFC fight after suffering a harrowing leg injury during his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 2564 in July 2021.
It appeared to be the ideal occasion for his return, marking the historic 300th UFC Pay Per View (PPV) event. However, consistent with McGregor’s comeback narrative, it seems this dream won’t materialise.
White has drawn parallels with past incidents, citing Weidman’s injury at UFC 261 where his leg snapped after a shin leaving him unable to compete and only make a comeback after two-and-a-half years.
The UFC boss also referenced Anderson Silva’s case, where Silva broke his leg during a fight against Weidman and his return took over a year.
By highlighting these examples, White aimed to underline the seriousness of McGregor’s injuries. Additionally, he mentioned how the Irishman’s altered lifestyle has added complexity to negotiations with the fighter.
“[Conor] McGregor doesn’t need the money. So, when you don’t need the money, it’s not as easy. Khabib doesn’t need the money, Khabib retired. McGregor has a movie coming out, he’s got businesses he’s building, it’s a completely different dynamic when you’re dealing with a guy who has this kind of money,” he said.
It is pertinent to know that outside the octagon, McGregor is set to feature in “Roadhouse,” a 2024 reimagination of the 1989 classic, starring alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
McGregor also manages several pubs and restaurants in the Dublin area, in addition to his ownership of a highly successful alcoholic beverage brand.
