Dana White addresses rumors of Conor McGregor sabotaging fight to negotiate better contract

UFC CEO Dana White is dispelling rumors surrounding Conor McGregor's withdrawal from UFC 303's main event. McGregor, scheduled to face Michael Chandler in his highly anticipated return after a leg injury, pulled out last week citing an undisclosed issue.

This sudden development fueled speculation online, with some suggesting McGregor was strategically withdrawing to leverage a better contract. However, in a recent interview with Jim Rome on X, White firmly dismissed these rumors. He emphasized McGregor's professionalism in business dealings and reiterated the legitimacy of the injury, saying:

“Conor McGregor never tries to lead up to a fight and renegotiate a contract or get more money….He is as solid as solid can be at being a business partner. Conor McGregor is hurt right now. It’s absolutely real.”

Check out Dana White's comments on the matter below:

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Robert Whittaker questions Conor McGregor's return after latest UFC withdrawal

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has weighed in on Conor McGregor's recent withdrawal from UFC 303, expressing doubt about the Irishman's commitment to fighting at the highest level.

During a recent interview with the New York Post Sports, Whittaker weighed in on McGregor's situation, stating:

"That's the problem with having fights few and far between... The chance of getting hurt, especially the training we do and the prep work we do, it's very high... The fact that he only fights once every few years, if that hits on the timeline then this happens."

He continued:

"The dude doesn't need to fight. I don't know why he's fighting anyway. [He's] rich as hell. I think fighting is one of those games where you need to dedicate every morsel of brain matter and focus and energy you have into the game. That is the sacrifice, is that it consumes you. And he knows that better than anybody else."

Check out Robert Whittaker's comments below (11:25):