Ariel Helwani discloses why Conor McGregor insider doesn't want nature of injury to be revealed
Ariel Helwani recently explained why his insider is hesitant to disclose the specific nature of Conor McGregor's injury. UFC CEO Dana White officially announced that the Irishman's highly anticipated return to the octagon against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 has been postponed. It was revealed that McGregor had sustained an unspecified injury leading up to the June 29 fight.
'The Notorious' himself recently acknowledged sustaining an injury, although he did not disclose specifics, mentioning that it occurred just before the scheduled pre-fight press conference in Dublin earlier this month. The event was abruptly canceled at the last minute.
Check out Conor McGregor's post below:
Amid the drama surrounding the injury of the former two-division UFC champion and the cancellation of the McGregor vs. Chandler bout, Helwani has been at the forefront, diligently providing updates to those in the know as swiftly and comprehensively as possible.
During a recent episode of The MMA Hour podcast, the combat sports journalist was questioned about the sources who provided him with accurate information about McGregor's injury and the fight postponement.
Helwani revealed that he does not rely on one specific informant but rather multiple sources. He explained that the insiders are reluctant to divulge the full extent of McGregor's injury to prevent it from being exploited by future opponents:
"That part that they specifically say off the record is the injury, the stuff wasn't. They initially didn't want that out because they didn't want Chandler to know. They didn't want it out that he [McGregor] was hurt, and they have yet to specify what it is because they think that he is going to fight soon, and they don't want it to be targeted."
Check out Ariel Helwani's comments below:
'The Notorious' has been sidelined from competition since fracturing his leg in the first round of his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
The cancellation of McGregor's planned return bout at UFC 303 has sparked pessimism within the MMA community about his future in fighting.
Dana White clarifies rumors of Conor McGregor allegedly sabotaging fight for contract negotiations
During a recent interview with Jim Rome, Dana White addressed and brushed off rumors suggesting that Conor McGregor withdrew from UFC 303 strategically to negotiate a better contract with the MMA promotion:
"Conor McGregor never tries to lead up to a fight and renegotiate a contract or get more money… He is as solid as solid can be at being a business partner. Conor McGregor is hurt right now. It’s absolutely real."
Check out Dana White's comments below: