Jake Paul has shared insights into the reasons behind Conor McGregor’s absence from the cage despite being physically fit and eager to compete since mid-2023. The UFC has not yet set a definite date for McGregor’s comeback, with UFC 310 tentatively planned for December 7th. UFC President Dana White has been hesitant to announce McGregor’s return, hinting that it might not happen at all.
During a recent podcast episode featuring Jake Paul and Francis Ngannou, Paul suggested that McGregor’s delay in fighting could be linked to the UFC’s negotiation for a new broadcast rights agreement. McGregor still has two fights left on his current contract, and the UFC might be postponing his return to gain leverage in talks with media platforms such as ESPN. As the UFC prepares to renegotiate broadcast contracts in 2025, McGregor’s involvement could significantly impact the deals’ value.
Although McGregor’s situation appears intricate, it could be a strategic move by the UFC to extend his contract before it expires. This approach has been used with other fighters like Ngannou who faced fight scheduling delays due to contract discussions. McGregor has expressed frustration over the delays in his competitive comeback, leaving uncertainty regarding his potential fight in December. If the bout doesn’t materialize, it could imply further undisclosed business maneuvers unfolding behind the scenes.
