Conor McGregor’s expected return on June 29 is fraught with uncertainty. Since UFC fans are the hardcore bunch, rumors are swirling about a potential replacement for the main event. But combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani’s Dana White has a solution. He suggests the UFC president should take a page out of the book of Saudi Arabian boss Turki Alalshikh.
Silent Treatment Raises Anxiety
Dana White and Conor McGregor have been tight-lipped about the UFC 303 main event after canceling the media event in Ireland. This silence has left the fan very upset. Conor McGregor, who recently shared an old injury video, fueled concerns about the fight against Michael Chandler potentially falling apart. But Ariel Helwani believes he has a plan to salvage the situation.
Helwani’s Plan for Dana White
Ariel Helwani claims Dana White’s easiest solution is to announce another date for McGregor’s return. According to Helwani, this approach can ease fans’ anxiety and keep the expectations alive. He points out that Michael Chandler, who has been waiting for this fight since 2022, doesn’t appear to be in a financial crisis and may be willing to wait for a rescheduled date. Alternatively, Chandler could fight another opponent in the interim.
“Make another day. I understand that if Michael Chandler is somewhere he’s interested, “I just need the money.” Say this is October, August, or September, October, OK, maybe I’ll wait. If it has just been done, sometimes I have a fight in a moment,’ Helwani explained.
Inspiration from the Turkish Allashikh
Helwani’s proposal comes from Turki Al Shikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Holiday Council. Alalshikh exceeded fans’ expectations by rescheduling Tyson Fury’s fight with Oleksandr Usic from February to May. Helwani believes Dana White could take a similar approach to reduce speculation and fan disappointment.
“I think you can really take a page from what Turkey’s Alalshikh did after Tyson Fury passed… and then all the speculation and all the doubts and all the worries calm down a little bit,” Helwani added.
Burns Accuses McGregor
Meanwhile, UFC fighter Gilbert Burns has his own thoughts on McGregor’s antics. He believes the Irishman is using a similar strategy to Ryan Garcia’s pre-fight mind game before his fight with Devin Haney. Burns thinks McGregor is trying to create doubt and keep fans guessing in order to knock out his opponent.
“Did you see Connor taking pictures in the hospital? What do you know about it? I’ll tell you what he’s doing to you and you’ll agree, I know you’ll agree. I believe he is pulling that card. [Do] you know what card he draws? [the Ryan Garcia card],” Burns said on the ‘Show Me the Money Podcast.
Frustration Among the Fans
Fans are becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of clear communication about McGregor’s return. The excitement surrounding “The Notorious” has been a rarity in recent years, and the possibility of his return has been eagerly anticipated. The uncertainty has led to calls for a refund and demands for clarity from the UFC.
