Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC has been a source of much speculation and debate among the fans. The Irish superstar is yet to make his return to competition after suffering a horrific injury back in 2021 in his fight against Dustin Poirier. While he has seemingly made a full recovery and has been sighted on several vacations and even for the promotion for his Hollywood debut in the upcoming ‘Road House’ remake, his UFC comeback date remains up in the air.

As such, veteran boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn, had recently implored the UFC and CEO Dana White to secure his return as“…he injects an enthusiasm and a vibrancy into the UFC that no one else can.” But according to Chael Sonnen, former UFC middleweight and analyst, there is a reason behind why the UFC and White have not secured McGregor’s return as of now!

Conor McGregor’s UFC return does not lead to more possibilities for the UFC 

Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen has weighed in on why the UFC failed to secure Conor McGregor’s return for UFC 300. Sonnen highlighted that while there’s truth to the idea that McGregor is beneficial for the sport, there’s another crucial factor the UFC considers.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen acknowledged the significance of McGregor’s star power, referencing the concept of “red panty night,” where fighting the Irish superstar guarantees a big payday. However, he delved into a deeper reason behind the UFC’s decisions.

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According to Sonnen, “You were reminded of it within the disappointment that you felt at UFC 300, you get reminded that Dana White will not do anything, unless that something has a reasonable chance to bounce into something else.”

He went on to reveal that White seeks potential for growth and expansion with every move he makes. If an idea doesn’t offer this, it’s unlikely to materialize. Sonnen also emphasized that McGregor’s proposed fight against Michael Chandler lacked this potential. He stated, “McGregor versus Chandler would be a fight about nothing. That wasn’t always true, at one point, it was just going to be a grudge match, it was going to be a big match, and it was going to be a feud.”

In essence, Sonnen’s analysis suggests that while Conor McGregor’s star power is undeniable, the UFC prioritizes opportunities that offer long-term growth and sustainability. As such, according to him, McGregor’s potential return lacked this element, leading to Dana White’s decision to pass on it for UFC 300.

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While Sonnen’s remarks highlighted some interesting factors about McGregor’s absence from UFC 300, the promotion seems to be hitting new highs despite lacking the Irish MMA icon’s star power!

UFC sees massive growth despite ‘The Notorious’s extended hiatus

The UFC’s financial success continues to soar, even in Conor McGregor’s absence. With a record revenue increase of 13% in 2023, totaling $1.3 billion, the MMA giant seems to be thriving without arguably the biggest star it has ever produced.

In his interview with Kevin Iole, UFC CEO Dana White indicated that it’s hard to book a fight for McGregor’s return to competition as “Conor McGregor doesn’t need the f*cking money. So, when you don’t need the money, it’s not as easy…”

Despite this, the UFC’s parent company, TKO Group Holdings, is on track for massive growth, even without the Irishman involved in UFC events. In 2023, the UFC witnessed substantial growth in live events and sponsorship. According to reports online, the fourth quarter of 2023 alone saw a revenue surge to $282.8 million for the promotion compared to $271.7 million for the same period in 2022 which is attributed to multiple factors like media rights, live events, and sponsorship.

In conclusion, while McGregor’s potential return to the UFC may generate considerable buzz, the promotion’s ongoing success without him demonstrates its strength and stability in the ever-evolving world of combat sports.

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