White questions McGregor’s hunger and says he won’t fight until 2025

UFC chief Dana White has questioned Conor McGregor’s hunger after confirming the Irishman won’t return to the octagon until early 2025.

McGregor has not fought since breaking a leg during the first round of his third clash with Dustin Poirier three years ago.

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A bout with Michael Chandler scheduled for June had to be scrapped when McGregor broke a toe during training. He had hoped to return for UFC 310 in December but White believes next year is a more realistic timeframe.

Speaking to the New York Post, White said: “I was the one saying I don’t think he’s going to fight this year. With all the talk and everything else.

“Even with the fight being set up and the press conference. Conor McGregor will fight next year, early 2025.”

McGregor is on a two-fight losing streak having lost twice to Poirier. In fact, he hasn’t won since a January 2020 defeat of Donald Cerrone.

Questions have been asked about whether the 36-year-old still has the desire to compete at the top level given he has an estimated net worth of $200million.

White added: “As far as the hunger, he’s a very wealthy guy, we’ll find out when he comes back.”