UFC boss Dana White admits he is “never optimistic” when it comes to high-profile fighters returning to the octagon, with Conor McGregor facing a clouded future.
Last week, the former two-division world champion pulled out of a long-awaited fight with Michael Chandler, throwing the card for UFC 303 into complete chaos.
Luckily for the UFC, Alex Pereira opted to step up on short notice and defend his light-heavyweight crown against Jiri Prochazka in a new-look main event on June 30 (AEST).
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However, the news of an injury to McGregor – the biggest star in UFC history – has seen plenty of rumours and conspiracy theories swirl in the combat sports world.
In an interview on The Jim Rome Show, White acknowledged that the Irish superstar may never fight again for the company after a three-year hiatus and his recent setback.
“It happens,” he said.
“Once you get the guys that have cemented their legacies and made their money – Jon Jones, Conor McGregor and these guys – I’m never very optimistic.
“I’m in the fight business and I’ve got to put on fights every Saturday. When those type of guys show up, it’s fun – but I run the business.”
Some of the rumours regarding McGregor related to contract negotiations, with some in the sport claiming the 35-year-old was holding out for more money.
But according to White, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
”I’ve said it many times before and I’ll say it again – Conor McGregor has never done that,” he said.
“Conor McGregor never leads up to a fight and tries to renegotiate a contract or get more money, he has never done anything remotely close to that.
“He is as solid as solid can be when it comes to being a business partner. Conor McGregor is hurt right now, it’s absolutely real … he has never done anything like that.”
His continued absence has also left Chandler in a tricky situation, with the American star spending the past 18 months waiting for a shot against McGregor.
White is hopeful of making the fight happen later this year, but wouldn’t begrudge Chandler for looking at other options.
”I think poor Chandler wants to wait for Conor McGregor,” he said.
“If he wants to get a fight this summer, we’ll do whatever he wants. He is one of the greatest athletes I’ve ever worked with, he is a good human being and I like him a lot.
“Whatever he wants to do, we’ll figure it out for him.”
McGregor is expected to be cleared to return to action in August or September, with the promotion now scrambling to find a suitable date for his clash with Chandler.