Dana White makes statement on Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler after UFC fight officially pushed back to 2024
DANA WHITE insists there has been no movement in finalising Conor McGregor’s UFC return.
The MMA superstar’s proposed comeback clash against Michael Chandler was tentatively slated for the promotion’s end-of-year card on December 16.
But the booking of Brit Leon Edwards‘ second title defence against Colby Covington for UFC 296 has pushed back the return of the Mac until 2024.
And, as of right now, UFC president and newly-minted CEO White has no update on the showdown.
The 54-year-old said on Tuesday night: “I got nothing on either one of those guys right now.
“I’ve been saying for a while that next year is when Conor is going to fight.”
Chandler, 37, has sat patiently on the sidelines awaiting the finalisation of the biggest fight of his career, which has seemingly been delayed by McGregor’s absence from the USADA testing pool.
He’s shown no signs of wanting to abandon ship and keep himself active, something the UFC brass are well aware could happen.
White insisted: “If Chandler gets antsy, we’ll figure something out.”
McGregor, 35, is seemingly champing at the bit and raring to go after recovering from the horrific broken leg he suffered in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
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White recently told Piers Morgan: “He is back in the gym, he’s training.
“And, yeah, I expect to see Conor fighting next year.”
White is adamant McGregor and Chandler will eventually lock horns – despite the overdue finalisation of their mouthwatering showdown.
During an appearance on Crain & Company, he said: “To not do that fight will be ridiculous.
“We’re working on it. I’m hoping we can do it early next year.”