Conor McGregor vs. Manny Pacquiao Holds the Key for Dana White’s Multi-Million Dollar Deal – “We Can’t Let You Go”

Is Dana White delaying the return of his biggest star Conor McGregor? The Irishman is in a very frustrating position as has been trying his level best for a comeback to the UFC, but the UFC head honcho seems to be not giving him a set date. Amid his struggle, star boxer Manny Pacquiao has come out of retirement, and the first fight that he is demanding is none other than McGregor himself.

Michael Chandler too, is waiting for both McGregor and White to make the announcement, but there has been an utter silence from them and the emergence of ‘Pacman’ in the scene has made the drama even more confusing. As per a former UFC fighter and podcaster, White is willingly delaying McGregor’s comeback to the fight scene. Why you ask? Let us find out.

Ex-UFC star says Dana White doesn’t want to let Conor McGregor go

Conor McGregor has time and time again called for a date for his comeback. ‘The Notorious’ even called out Dana White to assert that he is ready to take on Michael Chandler in the UFC 300 main event, but there are hardly any developments from the UFC CEO. The delay in his comeback is not only affecting McGregor’s career but also Chandler’s. However, White seems to have other plans for them both. To add spice to the confusion, Manny Pacquiao has come forward to fight McGregor in a boxing match.

Joe Rogan‘s friend and former UFC fighter, Brendan Schaub, claimed that McGregor is planning to fight ‘Pacman’ but White is not willing to let that happen. “McGregor has one or two fights left on his contract. The UFC never lets you fight your contract out, especially if you are a megastar like Conor. Manny Pacquiao’s coming out of retirement, and his number one opponent he wants to fight is Conor McGregor. I think Conor’s like, “Yeah, I just need to fight Chandler, and I’m gonna fight Manny.” The UFC is like, “No, you are not,” said Schaub.

He further explained that McGregor is planning to fight Nate Diaz and Jake Paul after his endeavor with Chandler. Guessing the former dual-champion’s thought process, Schaub said, “I [referring to McGregor] want to fight Chandler, and I’m gonna fight Manny Pacquiao, probably Jake Paul, and maybe Nate Diaz in boxing. That’s what I wanna do.” However, White wants to keep McGregor till he completes his negotiations with ESPN.

“The UFC is going, ‘No way, we can’t let you go.’ Because remember, the UFC is also in negotiations because their rights are up at ESPN. So that’s going on,” said Schaub. The former heavyweight is of the opinion that the star value and eyeballs that McGregor brings to the table will be a significant part of the UFC’s negotiations. Therefore, the promotion has to secure the 35-year-old’s services to pen down a lucrative new deal with their broadcasters.

Be that as it may, there are many calling for the UFC to give the Irishman a fight date, including influencer boxer Jake Paul.

Jake Paul calls out the UFC for delaying McGregor’s comeback

Conor McGregor was supposed to fight in June as announced by the star, but Dana White came forward and stated that ‘Notorious’ would not fight in June. Rather his comeback will likely happen in the fall per White. This news by the CEO sent tremors around the entire UFC community, some of who are beginning to lose interest in McGregor vs. Chandler, thanks to the perennially extending wait.

Interestingly, Jake Paul seems to have had enough of UFC’s unnecessary delays. The YouTuber-turned-boxer took to X to express his opinion against the promotion. He said “They are trying to do Conor like they did Nate [Diaz]. Biggest star in the history of the sport and he can’t control when he fights.”

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White might have other plans for the UFC star, but the unnecessary delay is getting on the nerves of the fans. Nonetheless, White has yet to make some announcements regarding UFC 300 and what’s to come after the mega event. Are you still holding out hope we will see McGregor in the first half of 2024?

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