Conor McGregor blasted ongoing negotiations with the UFC after talks for a return fight stalled. McGregor voiced frustration over the lack of direction and his omission from the White House card.
The promotion officially announced the bouts for its historic UFC Freedom 250, scheduled for Jun. 14 at the White House. Notably absent from the card was McGregor, who had long been rumored to headline against Michael Chandler.
McGregor and Chandler served as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter and were linked to a bout for more than two years. After their original bout fell through due to an injury suffered by the Irishman, the fight was scrapped and never rescheduled.
Still, ‘The Notorious’ believed he would return against ‘Iron’ on the White House card and said he was in talks. However, plans changed when the promotion booked Chandler against Mauricio Ruffy instead, leaving McGregor frustrated.
“I was up for the White House [card], I know the administration were strong for me to be in the White House. It was McGregor vs. Chandler,” McGregor told Smash Cast. “The story was built in. Chandler’s a stand up guy, he’s electric in the cage, comes to bring it. I’m the ‘Mac.’ It would have been dynamite.”
He stressed that the fight falling through had nothing to do with pricing himself out or declining to face Chandler.
“Not be every saying no or, ‘Hey, not enough money,’ nothing. Just [the UFC saying], ‘Maybe we’re going to go with you for International Fight Week.’ [I said], ‘Okay, no problem.'”
Conor McGregor Expresses Sympathy for Michael Chandler After Scrapped Fight
Conor McGregor also expressed sympathy for Michael Chandler after learning their fight had officially been scrapped. He revealed that he remained interested in facing the former Bellator lightweight champion in his octagon return.
McGregor said the matchmakers made the decision to move on from Chandler. ‘The Notorious’ believes the former Bellator champion deserved the fight after waiting patiently and maintaining interest.
“I do like Chandler, I’ve been preparing for him for the last two years. He deserves to go after the wait. It gets me back in there,” McGregor told Smash Cast. “I’m not going to be too picky. I have to get back, I’m eager to get back. So, okay, sorry Chandler. It is what it is.”
The Irishman added that he plans to return at welterweight and said that he accepted every opponent offered to him. However, he never received a formal contract.
“That’s a great matchup, that’s all you hear out of me and no contract came. And that’s kind of where I’m at.”
McGregor Hopes UFC Offers Him a Fair Contract
GettyLAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 10: Conor McGregor of Ireland walks through the arena before his lightweight bought against Dustin Poirier during UFC 264: Poirier v McGregor 3 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
McGregor also revealed that his manager will meet with the UFC this coming week. Ahead of that meeting, he hopes the promotion offers a fair contract so he can begin preparing for his return.
Given the shift away from pay-per-view, McGregor will likely want compensation that reflects the viewership his return generates.
“My manager is out there in Las Vegas on Monday for a face-to-face. I hope a respectable offer comes through. I’m notoriously good to deal with, I’m an honest man. I admire fairness and I’m sure we could get it done,” he told Smash Cast.
Conor McGregor Unloads on UFC Negotiations and White House Omission