White issues a blunt statement on the rumors of McGregor headlining UFC 300

DANA WHITE has put an end to suggestions that Conor McGregor would headline UFC 300 once and for all.

The MMA superstar looked like an absolute stunner the bill from the April 13 card when it was confirmed that his highly anticipated showdown with Michael Chandler would not take place in 2023.

UFC 300 takes place on April 13 in Las VegasCredit: UFC

MMA fans expected Conor McGregor's comeback fight against Michael Chandler to headline the event — MMA fans expected Conor McGregor’s comeback fight against Michael Chandler to headline the eventCredit: GETTY

UFC president Dana White insists McGregor was never an option to top the 300 cardCredit: GETTY

McGregor, 35, looked at the top of the Sin City extravaganza in an emotional plea to the UFC brass to finalize his comeback date last October.

But despite all the stars seemingly aligning for a monstrous pay-per-view, the promotion never planned for the long-awaited return of their poster boy at UFC 300.

When asked if McGregor was an option to main event the card, White replied emphatically: “No.”

McGregor is pushing hard to return to the octagon after recovering from the horrific leg fracture he suffered during his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

But the IrishmanWhite’s recent claim that he will be back in June was shot down by White, leading some to suggest that a contract impasse would be the stumbling block to his return.

That idea has been emphatically denied by White, who insisted: “Conor McGregor is probably one of the best company partners we’ve ever had.

‘It’s a problem getting Conor to show up on time.

“But Conor, as far as business goes, everyone talks about how Conor used to be on benefits and all that stuff.

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“For someone who was on benefits, Conor McGregor is a very good businessman, and Conor McGregor has always been a great partner to us.

‘There is never any sitting around and negotiating money or, you know, “You’re paying me more money.”

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“Conor McGregor has never done anything even close. It’s the exact opposite.”

McGregor has posted several videos of himself sparring in recent weeks and appears ready to begin a full training camp, although White still has his doubts.

He told Kevin Iole: “Only Conor knows [when he’s ready].

“These are questions for Conor McGregor, not for me. I know he’s training. I don’t know what level of training he does.

“I don’t know what level he is at at the moment. I don’t know anything about that.

“I need to know that the man is in a full camp and that he is ready to go. There’s a Conor McGregor movie coming out.

“He has companies that he built. It’s a very different dynamic when you’re dealing with someone who has this kind of money.”