There was a buzz in the air surrounding an update on Conor McGregor’s return ahead of the UFC 300 press conference! The Irish MMA icon has been absent from the Octagon since 2021 when he suffered a devastating injury in a fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. While McGregor has made a full recovery since then, and actively promoted his role in ‘Road House’, the MMA world has been left waiting for an announcement of his return.
During the promotional tour for the film, McGregor stated in an ESPN interview, “…The Mac,’ ‘The Notorious’ will be returning to the UFC Octagon this summer.” UFC CEO Dana White’s Instagram post further fueled anticipation for McGregor’s return as in a short video shared on his story, McGregor is seen walking with the caption “coming soon.” But apparently, the time for the announcement has yet to come!
Dana White clears the air on Conor McGregor fight announcement at UFC 300 press conference
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While Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler had both indicated in separate interviews that their fight, originally scheduled to take place after TUF 31 last year, has now been finalized, there wasn’t an official statement made by the UFC.
And according to Chael Sonnen, the situation is complicated because, “If Conor’s saying yes, Dana saying, it’s not done you have Chandler confirming that it is done but he can’t confirm a date. What are we to guess? Could I see that happening? Yes and no.”
However, it was recently reported by MMA Uncensored that, “Breaking: ‼️ @TheNotoriousMMA @MikeChandlerMMA will get announced on Thursday at the #UFC300 presser per sources and they will face-off.”
Dana White: Don't believe anything you read on the internet.#UFC300 pic.twitter.com/LbYXYSMh7F
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) April 12, 2024
But Dana White has now shut down the rumors in his trademark fashion at the UFC 300 press conference. When asked about the online discussions about the announcement of McGregor’s return, White bluntly stated, “Don’t believe anything you read on the internet.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding McGregor’s return, the excitement among fans remains undiminished. As the MMA world eagerly awaits further developments, one thing is certain: McGregor’s return, whenever it may be, will be a momentous event for the sport.
Nevertheless, while the fans may have been disappointed with no announcement for McGregor’s return, the UFC boss has made the fighters on the UFC 300 card very happy with his announcement for the bonuses at the event!
White reveals staggering new bonuses on the line at UFC 300
Dana White surprised everyone at the UFC 300 press conference by increasing performance bonuses for the landmark event! While being questioned by Mike Bohn from MMA Junkie, the UFC boss was asked if he could raise the bonuses from $50,000 to a number that more accurately reflects the significance of the event.
As such, White asked, “What should it be raised to?” prompting a chorus from the fighters on the stage asking for, “$300,000!” to which the UFC head honcho responded by affirming, “$300,000. It’s done!”
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The Boss is adding a little extra to the bonuses on Saturday night 👀 #UFC300 pic.twitter.com/TncnLQrPnA
— UFC (@ufc) April 12, 2024
The move also drew praise from Conor McGregor who stated on X, “Huge shout out @danawhite and the @ufc upping the bonuses to $300k! Life changing money for many on the card. To look after your fighters is paramount!”
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As UFC 300 approaches, the raised bonuses stand as a testament to the UFC’s commitment to its athletes and the recognition of their hard work and dedication. Which fight are you most looking forward to at the historic UFC event? Share it in the comments below!
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