‘If Oliveira is still champion when Conor comes back, we will see then.’
UFC president Dana White addressed criticism about Conor McGregor fighting for the lightweight title in his return to the octagon.
McGregor (MMA 22-6) last fought in July 2021 at UFC 264 where he lost to Dustin Poirier in the first round due to suffering a broken leg.
Rumours have been circulating of McGregor receiving a title shot despite not winning a fight at 155 pounds since November 2016.
Dana White on the UFC lightweight championship.
White played down the developments as McGregor won’t be ready to fight until at least the Summer.
A lot will depend on the current UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliviera. The Brazilian is booked to fight Justin Gaethje at UFC 274 in May. If he wins that fight and wants McGregor – White will explore that option.
“We will see what’s what with the lightweight division,” said White to ‘The Underground.’
“It’s going to depend on who the champion is when Conor McGregor comes back, they have a say in it. What do they want to do?
“If it’s Oliveira who is still champion when Conor comes back, maybe Oliveira wants Conor. We will see then.”
White vents his frustration over the Conor McGregor criticism.
The UFC president has had enough of being asked if McGregor will get a title shot upon his return. McGregor’s last win came at UFC 246 against welterweight Donald Cerrone in January 2020 after 40 seconds.
White went on to say anyone who has a problem with McGregor getting a title fight is an “idiot.” The Crumlin native headlined five of the top six highest-earning cards in UFC history.
“The problem is, every time I do a f**king interview, all anybody wants to ask is, ‘You think Conor McGregor will get a f***ing title shot?’ That’s all they f***ing ask.
“So, I’m gonna say, ‘Well Conor McGregor isn’t anywhere near coming back yet, so I don’t know, let’s see what happens…’
“And anybody who’s p**sed off because Conor might f***ing get (a title shot), you’re a f***ing idiot too. If that p**ses you off, Jesus Christ. Calm down, buddy.”
