UFC CEO Dana White has been an integral part of the rise of Conor McGregor to superstar status. White, who has led the UFC to the billion-dollar giant it is today, has never missed a chance to promote McGregor. Even though Francis Ngannou had to leave the UFC to secure his boxing dreams, McGregor was allowed to compete against Floyd Mayweather in 2017 while still under UFC contract. The recent split between the USADA and the UFC was also reportedly due to the concessions being provided to the Irishman. 

Nevertheless, McGregor remains a massive figure in combat sports despite not having fought since 2021. His return in December of this year might have fallen through, but Dana White recently revealed the UFC’s plan regarding McGregor. And fans will be pleased to know that the UFC CEO has confirmed that McGregor’s Octagon return seems imminent, except for a single roadblock! 

Dana White claims only one obstacle hinders Conor McGregor’s comeback

Conor McGregor was originally set to face Michael Chandler after TUF 31. However, the UFC’s drug testing protocol under USADA made him ineligible for the proposed timeline. The friction between the UFC and USADA regarding McGregor’s testing status was stated as one of the reasons behind the split between the two organizations. 

Nevertheless, McGregor had claimed that he had indeed submitted his samples for athlete testing. But with the UFC and USADA’s split formalized, the Irishman will now be tested under the UFC’s new program. And the timeline for his return has been revealed by Dana White. 

In an interview with Adam’s Apple on YouTube, White was questioned regarding any updates about the McGregor vs Chandler fight. White stated that he had recently spoken to Conor McGregor. He further stated “He’s got to sit out for the six months to get back into the drug-testing pool. So realistically… could be looking at him next summer.“

McGregor will now be tested under the UFC’s new program partnered with ‘Drug Free Sport International’. His return is expected next summer in 2024 after completing the mandatory six-month drug-testing pool period that remains the same despite USADA’s impending exit.

It’s not just the fans who are waiting for McGregor to return. A former UFC champion has also revealed his predictions and expectations for the ‘Notorious’s return! 

UFC ‘champ-champ’ makes a bold statement in support of McGregor’s return

Speculation has swirled around Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon and potential opponent. The anticipation rose during their coaching roles on The Ultimate Fighter Season 31, leading to expectations of a post-show clash.

Despite McGregor’s return in 2024, questions arise about the viability of the Chandler fight. And now former UFC ‘champ-champ’, Daniel Cormier, has suggested a headline bout at UFC 300 against Michael Chandler!

On an episode of the DC & RC preview for UFC 295 on YouTube, Cormier emphasizes the significance of milestone events like UFC 100 and UFC 200 having big names. He stated, “Anderson Silva, Brock, all these guys. Big names. UFC 300 has to have a name like that…I think you have to have a Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler.” 

Despite McGregor’s return in 2024 now confirmed by Dana White, questions arise about the viability of the Chandler fight. However, Cormier sees this potential matchup as a pivotal moment in Chandler’s accomplished career. He revealed, “For the rest of his life, ‘Who headlined UFC 300?’ It’ll be Michael Chandler.”

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Fans will need to wait and see if Dana White’s claim that McGregor will fight again in 2024 becomes a reality. And if Cormier’s prediction for a Chandler fight also aligns with the UFC’s plans for the Irishman’s next opponent. 

Do you think the Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler clash at UFC 300 has the potential to be one of the biggest PPV events of the year? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

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