Dana White Comments on Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler Status
By FCF Staff
Recently, it started looking like the MMA world would receive an official date soon for the planned fight between Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler. But, this past weekend, Dana White seemed to admit the UFC is having difficulties finalizing the fight.
McGregor is expected to fight fellow, TUF 30 coach Chandler later this year. But, due to the fact McGregor reportedly has yet to re-enter the drug testing pool, when the fight will happen, remains unclear.
The former featherweight and lightweight champ eventually exited the program after he snapped his leg in July, 2021, in a bout with Dustin Poirier. According to USADA’s regulations, a fighter must undergo testing for six-months prior to returning to the cage, after leaving the program. The controversial star recently informed USADA that he intends to re-enter the testing program.
Following UFC Vegas 74, White was asked to comment on the situation, and whether he was concerned that the fight has yet to be finalized. White reported he’s not concerned, since the UFC has always found new talent to replace retiring stars.
But, the UFC President also admitted booking a massive star like McGregor for bouts, can be problematic (quotes via MMA Junkie).
“First of all, Conor called me a couple days ago and loved the first episode of ‘The Ultimate Fighter,’ and saying how happy he was to be a part of it,” White said. “And I think being here and part of the environment and everything else, he felt it again and felt like he wants to get back to fight. The one thing you guys have to understand is this kid has so much money. It’s like Khabib now. These guys got sh*tloads of money and it’s hard to reel these guys in and get them to get in and fight.”
On account of the USADA testing guidelines, at this juncture, a fight between McGregor and Chandler would likely need to occur at the end of 2023.