Conor McGregor manager finally reveals why The Notorious chose UFC 329 for comeback over UFC White House event

Former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor will make his long-awaited return at UFC 329 against Max Holloway during International Fight Week in Las Vegas. McGregor had strongly hinted that he wanted to compete on the proposed UFC White House card, an event expected to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. However, the UFC ultimately decided to move his comeback to a larger commercial event instead.

McGregor has not fought since suffering a serious leg injury against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. His planned comeback fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 was later canceled because of a broken toe injury. Now, after five years away from the Octagon, the Irish superstar is preparing for another major return. His manager, Audie Attar, recently explained why the UFC chose UFC 329 over the White House card.

Audie Attar explains why UFC picked International Fight Week for Conor McGregor’s comeback

According to Audie Attar, McGregor fighting on the White House card was seriously discussed inside the UFC. However, the promotion reportedly felt that the economics of the event made it difficult to place one of its biggest stars there. The proposed White House venue is expected to have limited seating, which would reduce gate revenue compared to a traditional UFC pay-per-view event in Las Vegas.

Attar explained to MMA Junkie that the UFC would already be sacrificing major live-event earnings for the historic White House show. Because of that, the promotion believed International Fight Week would be the stronger business decision for McGregor’s return. He added that the UFC and McGregor’s team negotiated a deal that made UFC 329 the better overall option financially.

The veteran manager also revealed why the UFC eventually moved away from the Chandler matchup. Attar said McGregor wanted an opponent who had remained active in recent years. That reportedly led the promotion toward Holloway, who continues to compete regularly at the highest level. The fight is expected to take place at welterweight because of McGregor’s long absence from competition.

Attar also dismissed the idea that UFC 329 would be a one-time comeback for McGregor. He said the former champion plans to stay active after July 11 and does not want another lengthy break between fights. McGregor still has two fights left on his UFC contract, although Attar avoided discussing future plans beyond UFC 329.

For now, all attention remains on whether McGregor can successfully restart his MMA career after spending five years away from the sport.




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