Conor McGregor's latest photo dump during Noche UFC weekend could be a hint that all is not well with Dana White [Opinion]

By Johny Payne

Modified Sep 16, 2024 11:50 GMT

Conor McGregor (left) is beheld as one of the biggest draws in combat sports history, whereas Dana White (right) is counted among the best fight promoters ever [Images courtesy: Getty Images]

Conor McGregor unraveled several photographs over the UFC 306 (aka Riyadh Season Noche UFC) weekend. Long regarded as the UFC's biggest star, the Irishman was conspicuously missing from UFC 306. Additionally, McGregor's latest photo dump didn't feature longtime business acquaintance, UFC CEO Dana White.

McGregor, who was announced as the new co-owner of the BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) organization earlier this year, instead attended BKFC 66 at the 'Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood' in Hollywood, Florida, U.S.A., on Sept. 13, 2024. Meanwhile, UFC 306 transpired at the Sphere in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.A., on Sept. 14, 2024.

Is Conor McGregor's latest photo dump indicative of shifting priorities?

As the saying goes -- 'A picture is worth a thousand words.' As reflected in McGregor's recent Instagram post from BKFC 66, he appeared more focused on his co-owned BKFC organization than the UFC. This was despite UFC 306 being labeled as one of the year's biggest fight cards.

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Conor McGregor's UFC 306 absence and Dana White's absence from McGregor's social media handles in the wake of such an important UFC event speaks volumes.

The following pictures are potentially an allegory of how progressively distant McGregor and White have become, particularly after the Irishman withdrew from his welterweight bout against Michael Chandler that was booked for the seemingly 'cursed' UFC 303 card in June 2024.

Check out the photos dump from McGregor's Instagram post below:

Moreover, even the statement in Conor McGregor's Instagram post saw him allude that the best fights of the weekend were at BKFC.

Check out McGregor's post below:

Michael Chandler opts for Charles Oliveira rematch over Conor McGregor

The UFC and Michael Chandler recently announced that he'll rematch Charles Oliveira at lightweight in the co-headlining match of UFC 309 (Nov. 16, 2024). This shocked many, as Chandler was on a self-imposed hiatus since Nov. 2022 pursuing a big-money fight against Conor McGregor.

Chandler asserted that he'd beat Oliveira and possibly fight UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev or Conor McGregor next. Meanwhile, Dana White reiterated his respect for McGregor's fighting and entrepreneurial accomplishments but feels the 36-year-old doesn't need to fight to earn a living.

Though McGregor's been lobbying for a Dec. 2024 return, White's consistently contradicted it. The UFC boss maintains that McGregor's comeback would materialize no sooner than 2025.

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As for McGregor, his reactions ranged from irate to indifferent. Addressing the Chandler-Oliveira development during the BKFC 66 post-fight press conference, the ex-UFC featherweight and lightweight champion indicated that he's eager for a UFC comeback but isn't being booked to fight.

McGregor implored the UFC to give him a fight soon, or maybe give him an exemption to compete in another sport like when he boxed Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Truth be told (and this is something the legendary Chael Sonnen has often spoken about!), it's baffling why the UFC isn't booking their biggest star to return at the earliest. Are White and the UFC planning a surprise, or is there trouble in paradise between them and McGregor?

Fight fans await the combat sports megastar's comeback. With the UFC's self-proclaimed next big star (Sean O'Malley) decisively losing his bantamweight belt at UFC 306, and Jon Jones rumored to be retiring later this year, McGregor is needed now more than ever.

The time is right for the UFC to schedule a grand comeback this Christmas for the one, the only -- Conor McGregor!