Dana White has dismissed claims that he deliberately announced Conor McGregor's UFC comeback to divert attention from a rival MMA event featuring Francis Ngannou and Ronda Rousey. The UFC president officially confirmed McGregor's return during an Instagram Live session on May 23. The former two-division UFC champion is set to face Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 in Las Vegas on July 11. The announcement quickly became one of the biggest talking points in combat sports.
Many fans believed the timing was intentional because the announcement coincided with a Netflix and Most Valuable Promotions-hosted MMA event in California, which featured former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou making his walk to the cage for a fight against Philippe Lins. Social media users suggested White wanted to shift attention back to the UFC by revealing McGregor's comeback during the rival show.
Dana White denies trying to overshadow rival MMA event
White strongly rejected the conspiracy theory during an interview with Fred Talks Fighting. The longtime UFC President said the timing had nothing to do with another promotion's event. He explained that the UFC already had its own fight card and media schedule that night. According to Dana White, people were wrong to assume he was monitoring what other organizations were doing. White also insisted he had no interest in competing with rival events during the announcement. He said fans were overthinking the situation and claimed the timing was purely connected to UFC business plans. His comments attempted to end speculation about possible tension involving Ngannou, whose departure from the UFC in 2023 created major headlines in MMA.
McGregor's return and preparation
McGregor's fight against Holloway will mark his first UFC appearance since his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier in 2021. In that fight, the Irish star suffered a serious leg injury that kept him out of action for several years. McGregor previously defeated Holloway during their first meeting 13 years ago.
The former UFC champion recently said he feels fully motivated ahead of his comeback. McGregor said that his training camp has been intense and focused. He praised his coaches and teammates for helping him prepare and added that he feels stronger and sharper than before. He also said he is excited to show fans his skills again inside the Octagon.
UFC 329 will also be McGregor's first fight since losing his legal appeal in a civil assault case involving Nikita Hand in Dublin. McGregor has continued to deny the allegations.
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