UFC president Dana White confirmed that Conor McGregor’s injury is “absolutely real” and expressed uncertainty about the Irish fighter’s return to action.
McGregor, 35, withdrew from his scheduled welterweight bout against Michael Chandler on June 29 due to the injury.
While McGregor has expressed his intention to return to the UFC soon, president White remains unsure about his comeback.
“Conor McGregor – maybe he’ll fight again, maybe he won’t. You never know with some of the guys that get to that level. You never know when you’re going to see them again,” White said on the Jim Rome Show.
McGregor was scheduled to return after a lengthy absence following his leg break in a defeat by Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
The cancellation of a news conference in Dublin earlier this month sparked rumors of a late setback. The former two-weight champion confirmed he had picked up an injury just days before the media event.
The severity of the injury is currently unknown.
McGregor is in discussions with the UFC about a contract extension as his current deal nears its end.
Dana White dismissed suggestions that McGregor’s withdrawal was related to these contract negotiations.
“Conor McGregor never leads up to a fight and tries to renegotiate a contract or get more money,” White said.
“Conor McGregor is hurt right now. It’s absolutely real. He’s never done anything like that.”
McGregor has fought just four times since 2016 when he beat Eddie Alvarez to become a two-weight UFC champion.
The former featherweight champion has an overall MMA record of 22 wins and six losses.