Conor McGregor Return: Dana White Given an Ultimatum as Boxing Promoter Chips In to Welcome Irish UFC Star

UFC CEO Dana White must do whatever it takes to bring back Conor McGregor. The Irish MMA icon has been absent from the Octagon ever since he suffered a devastating leg fracture in his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. While he has recovered from the setback and has recently been tested multiple times under the UFC’s new drug testing protocols, there is still no confirmation of a date for his comeback fight.

As such, in a recent interview, White claimed that one of the reasons for the delay in his return was, “Conor McGregor doesn’t need the f*cking money.” But according to boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn, the UFC boss needs to be willing to pay, “whatever it costs” to bring back one of the most famous names in MMA history.

Securing Conor McGregor’s return crucial for Dana White and the UFC  

Fans have been eagerly awaiting Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon. In a recent conversation with Kevin Iole, Dana White indicated that along with complications from his recovery, financial motivation was another key factor in McGregor’s delayed return to competition.

However, in a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, Eddie Hearn stated, “I talked to Conor quite a bit, but I still think he’s gonna want the deal to be right. See, sometimes you’ll do a show, where you have to give them what they want.”

He emphasized the broader implications beyond immediate profit for promoters in boxing and MMA, considering factors like reputation and future signings may be impacted. 

Hearn also stated that if he were in Dana White’s position, he would take a different approach to the situation, by stating, “…if it was me, and it’s not me and he certainly doesn’t need my advice, Dana, but I’m bringing McGregor back whatever it costs, because he injects an enthusiasm and a vibrancy into the UFC that no one else can.”

Hearn’s assertion that McGregor injects unmatched enthusiasm and vibrancy into the UFC underscores the urgency for Dana White to secure McGregor’s return, regardless of the cost. According to him, McGregor’s presence not only elevates press conferences but also enhances business value and drives viewership and pay-per-view numbers. As discussions continue regarding McGregor’s comeback, it’s clear that his return holds immense significance for the UFC and its future success under Dana White.

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Nevertheless, the UFC head honcho is also aware of the Irishman’s impact on MMA as he recently lauded him for his massive influence on the sport!

White reveals the massive impact McGregor had on MMA 

In a recent appearance on Julian Edelman’s podcast, ‘Games With Names’, Dana White revealed how Conor McGregor took the UFC to a new level with his involvement in the sport. While discussing UFC 229, which saw Khabib Nurmagomedov take on Conor McGregor in 2018, the UFC boss stated that it was “one of the biggest fights ever”

He revealed, “Then comes Conor McGregor. And one of the things that I always talk about with Conor McGregor is that everybody thinks they’re Irish…The Irish thing is really powerful.”

White’s praise for McGregor’s influence, particularly evident during the monumental UFC 229 event, emphasized the Irish fighter’s unparalleled ability to captivate audiences worldwide. McGregor’s cultural and sporting significance remains a driving force in the UFC’s ongoing success and popularity as fans await his comeback to the Octagon!

Do you think Dana White will be able to secure Conor McGregor’s return in 2024? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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