‘We Do Not Have A Deal Done’

Dana White is hoping to seal the deal on a Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler summertime matchup any day now, but don’t expect an official announcement later this evening (Sat., April 13, 2024) at UFC 300 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It goes without saying, but McGregor’s long-awaited return to the Octagon is a pretty big deal. Despite not competing since suffering a broken leg in a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier back in July 2021, “Notorious” remains the biggest star in combat sports today. McGregor has been ready and willing to book his official comeback fight against Chandler, but for one reason or another the promotion hasn’t been able to come to terms.

Rumors began to swirl last weekend that a potential McGregor vs. Chandler fight announcement would be revealed at WWE’s WrestleMania 40 event. Both UFC and WWE are now under the same umbrella so it made complete sense, especially considering the platform and outreach that WrestleMania has. Still, nothing was announced.

Fight fans then figured UFC would wait for this weekend’s massive UFC 300 card to unveil McGregor’s official return date. Chandler flew to Las Vegas hours before Thursday’s UFC 300 pre-fight press conference so fight fans thought the promotion could do a surprise announcement at that event. Still, nothing was announced.

On Friday, UFC president Dana White was interviewed by reporters following a Power Slap event in Las Vegas and was asked about McGregor vs. Chandler. The UFC CEO poured ice cold water on any rumors that McGregor and Chandler would have walked out on stage at the UFC 300 pre-fight presser to announce their matchup.

“They’re expecting them to walk out yesterday. It’s all internet bulls—t, like NBC news,” said White.

Without an announcement at WrestleMania 40 or during UFC 300’s fight week festivities, that only leaves tonight’s massive UFC 300 PPV card to reveal an official McGregor vs. Chandler fight. It seems like the most logical scenario considering UFC 300 is trending towards 1 million PPV buys, but according to White the promotion still needs to work out a deal with McGregor.

“I can honestly sit here right now and tell you we do not have a deal done for the Conor fight,” said White.

Despite whatever White says there’s still a really good chance that something is leaked tonight during the UFC 300 broadcast. It would be a complete miss for the promotion not to take advantage of the biggest combat stage of the year to announce the return of the biggest fighter in the game. Even McGregor is ready to make the announcement as the former UFC double champ took to social media Friday night to post the below:

“The fight is on! McGregor vs. Chandler! See you on the date I said,” wrote McGregor.

What do you think, fight fans? Will we finally get a McGregor vs. Chandler announcement later tonight during the UFC 300 broadcast? Or will this drama continue to drag along?

Sound off!

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