Long layoffs have had fans waiting in anticipation for the return of two of the UFCs biggest stars. Recently, UFC President Dana White has recently provided reassurance that we could see both Jon Jones and Conor McGregor before the year ends.
UFC 304 provided us with a treasure trove of fight news. Interviews with Dana White before and after the card in Manchester gave us updates on what plans the UFC have for Jon Jones and Conor McGregor in the near future.
UFC Boss Dana White Provides Update on Conor McGregor and Jon Jones
Fight fans have been missing Conor McGregor’s UFC presence since he last competed in July of 2021.
The Irishman’s comeback was scheduled for UFC 303 in June of this year, before he was forced to withdraw due to a toe-injury. Since then, updates on the bout have been scarce.
In an interview in the run-up to UFC 304, Dana White told TNT Sports that he had no idea when McGregor planned to make his return.
“Conor, I don’t know when he’s coming back. When Conor is ready to go, he’ll let me know. So I’m not even talking about Conor right now.”
Although this may have been disheartening to hear, Michael Chandler has other ideas. The UFC lightweight suggested on X that the fight between the pair is being targeted for UFC 310 this coming December.
UFC 310 is speculated to take place in Las Vegas, which is familiar territory for McGregor. Nine out of 14 of ‘The Notorious’ fights have taken place there since his UFC debut in 2013.
Jones’ First Heavyweight Title Defence
Considered to be the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, Jones’ heavyweight run has been a disappointment to many.
Jones won the vacant UFC heavyweight title in March 2023, when he submitted Ciryl Gane in the 1st round. ‘Bones’ has not fought since due a pectoral injury. Leading to an interim title being claimed and controversially defended by Tom Aspinall.
In the same interview with TNT Sports, Dana White told reporters that his sights were still dead set on making Jones VS. Miocic for the end of the year.
“Obviously Jon jones had a serious injury he had to have surgery [for], and he’s recovering. No secret about it, I’m planning on him fighting [Stipe] in November.”
Media and fans alike are in the mindset that instead of fighting Stipe Miocic as planned, Jones should be forced to make his first defence against Aspinall.
Aspinall’s first round KO of Curtis Blaydes at 304 was not enough to sway the mind of White. The UFC CEO made it clear that he is still adamant on making Jones/Miocic for Jon’s comeback fight.
The most on offer for Aspinall is a spot as the backup fighter this November.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
