Midnight Mania: Connie Comeback Delayed (Again) — Not This Year!

Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Somebody might want to check in on Michael Chandler, because Conor McGregor’s extended UFC absence has no end in sight.

After Tuesday’s (Aug. 13, 2024) episode of Contenders Series (full results here), UFC CEO Dana White addressed the media and took questions. When asked about a potential McGregor booking, White revealed that the two had spoken but wasn’t optimistic about the Irish talent fighting in 2024.

“We talked,” White admitted. “We didn’t meet up but we talked. He wants to fight, so we’ll figure it out … not this year, he won’t fight this year.”

It’s a major bummer that the sport’s biggest star continues to stay sidelined, but why? Last we heard, McGregor was hoping for a quick return after pulling out of UFC 303. He only broke his pinky toe, so there’s no medical explanation for why McGregor should be sat for AT LEAST four more months.

Maybe Hollywood came calling again?

Here’s an alternative theory: UFC’s contract with ESPN runs up early next year. The promotion is about to enter negotiations, and having a McGregor pay-per-view on deck could equal serious leverage moving forward … Or perhaps Conor McGregor just continues this song and dance forever and never actually fights again.

There’s no option but to wait and see.

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— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) August 13, 2024