Dana White Opens Up On Conor McGregor’s Future And Jon Jones Drama
Dana White believes that Conor McGregor should hold out for the winner of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje later this year. The Irishman, who returned to the Octagon with a spectacular win over over ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone at UFC 246, has been linked to fights with Anderson Silva and Kamaru Usman, in recent weeks.
Should McGregor Wait?
However, Dana White has advised McGregor to bide his time until the lightweight title shot presents itself. Speaking to Eddie Hearn and Tony Bellow on the the ‘Talk The Talk‘ podcast (as transcribed by MMA Fighting), the UFC president outlined his plans for the UFC’s biggest asset.
“I think the best thing for him, I’m not saying this is what’s going to happen, but in my opinion, he lets this Gaethje-Khabib fight play out and he fights the winner. I think that’s the smartest move for him. But, you know him, maybe he wants to fight before that and if he does, we can figure something out. I think that is the move for him right now.”
It’s expected that Khabib will fight Gaethje in September, which would tie in nicely with a new year’s title shot for McGregor, providing that him and his potential opponent stay healthy. Unfortunately though, COVID-19 travel restrictions remain in place and the health of Khabib’s father is yet to improve. It would also mean Conor going a year between fights, having previously stated that he wanted to fight three times in 2020.
Jon Jones vs The UFC
Dana has been locked in a heated debate with UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones in recent weeks. Their relationship turned sour following failed negotiations for a superfight between ‘Bones’ and the terrifying heavyweight crowd pleaser, Francis Ngannou.
Despite accusations of lying and deceit from both sides and Jones’ online campaign against his longstanding boss, Dana is confident that they will eventually come to an agreement.
“You’re not always going to agree on everything. Jon Jones and I do not agree on something right now. We’re having a disagreement, but Jon Jones is a partner in this business. Conor McGregor is a partner in this business. The list goes on and on. When you get to that level, when you become a star or a world champion like these guys are, they’re a partner.
“We don’t agree right now on things, and we’re going to fight and we say things, the thing that’s going on in public, and eventually you get to a point where you get tired of fighting and you figure it out. It’s like any other relationship.”
‘Big Stars Become Partners’
Dana was reluctant to go into details about the Jones situation but he did take time to remind fans that he takes fighter relations very seriously.
“The way that it works in the UFC, these guys that become these big stars, become partners,” Dana said. “They become partners in the pay-per-view and selling the pay-per-view. That’s how we all make money.
“But every one of those guys that you mentioned from the Chuck Liddells to the Anderson Silvas to the Georges St-Pierres to the Jon Joneses, Ronda Rousey, they all brought something different to the table.”
Dana White also revealed that he is aiming for June 27th for the first fight night on ‘Fight Island’.
Do you think that Conor McGregor should wait to face the winner of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje? And do you think Jon Jones will fight again in 2020?
See also: