"This actually makes sense" - Fans react to Jake Paul's take on why UFC superstar Conor McGregor has not been fighting

Conor McGregor has not competed in more than three years since breaking his leg at UFC 264 in July 2021. 'The Notorious' was scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June, however, he was forced to withdraw from the bout due to a pinky toe injury. Jake Paul recently claimed that the inactivity of the UFC's biggest star may be tied to the promotion's ongoing broadcast rights negotiations.

Speaking on his podcast, BS w/ Jake Paul, the social media personality stated:

"Conor has two fights left on his fight deal, but the UFC is trying to renew their rights deal because they licensed their content - which are the fights - through platforms so they're trying to renew their deal, which they're negotiations with multiple people, but let's say they're going to go with ESPN. They're trying to renew the deal and get the most amount of money."

Paul continued:

"A part of that negotiation is, 'hey, we have Conor McGregor for two more fights', but if he were to fight now, that wouldn't be a part of the negotiations. The company would be like, 'oh, yeah, well you only have Conor for one fight'. So that's why Conor is not fighting right now."

Check out Jake Paul's comments on Conor McGregor below:

Fans reacted to Paul's comments, with @StarihaBrent claiming that his suggestion makes sense:

"This actually makes sense!"

@StopNoticingIt cited a tweet from McGregor, which he later deleted:

"I wouldn’t be surprised if Jake is right here. Conor did tweet somewhat recently about wanting to be “free” and then deleted it."

@MikeCuttyMMA understands the UFC's logic if Paul's comments are true:

"Makes sense. Sucks for Conor and I don’t agree with what they’re doing. But business is business.

@P4PAnalysis noted that McGregor was booked for a fight before pulling out:

"Except that UFC did book Conor a fight. Conor couldn’t make it Look, UFC wants to re-up Conor; or, if they couldn’t, they want to keep him for as long as possible before he leaves. When you’re in a tough negotiation, it always takes time before any party has to cave"

Check out the best fan reactions below:

Fan reactions

---

Chael Sonnen claims the UFC and Conor McGregor are at odds over his return date

Conor McGregor has expressed an interest in making his return to the octagon at UFC 310, which is set to be the final pay-per-view card of the year in December. Chael Sonnen recently revealed the former double champ and the UFC are at odds over when he will compete. Speaking on his podcast, Beyond the Fight, the former three-time title challenger stated:

"Well, I think Conor is sincere that he would like to fight [at] 170 pounds [at the] T-Mobile Arena [in] December 2024 opposite Michael Chandler under the unified rules of the mixed martial arts. I believe him. I don't think that's a ploy for attention. I believe an inside scoop that I'm getting that the UFC wants all of those same things - they just want it in January in California."

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments on Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler below:

McGregor and Michael Chandler have waited nearly two years to face one another as they were first announced as the hosts of season 31 of 'The Ultimate Fighter' in February 2023. While many have speculated that the bout will not come to fruition, both fighters have denied those suggestions.