Conor McGregor’s UFC return has likely been delayed yet again.
The Irish super star spoke repeatedly about his intentions of returning at the UFC White House mega card in June, but now that intended return date has been demoted to “sometime in the summer.” UFC Welterweight knockout artist Carlos Prates might have some insight into why McGregor’s return has allegedly been pushed back for the umpteenth time.
Prates may have been the “no name” fighter that McGregor recently posted about, as the Brazilian confirmed his name was in the mix of potential opponents. However, that’s no longer the case, as Prates claims that McGregor turned down the matchup. If Prates is being truthful, turning down a bout could explain why McGregor is being pushed to a future card?
“I believe they did offer my name to McGregor,” Prates told Laerte Viana (h/t ChampRds). “ … then he chickened out and ran away … because I’m a tough matchup, man. The guy’s been inactive for 5 years, and it’s not even in his weight class. Even though his last fights were at 170 [pounds], he’s not a natural 170-pounder. I’m coming in with all the hype, knocking everyone out. If I were in his position, I wouldn’t accept that fight either, no way. I think he probably wants to fight maybe a former champion or someone like that.”
McGregor did want to fight Michael Chandler, but that matchup has been overruled by UFC CEO Dana White.
Regardless of whether McGregor did or did not decline to fight Prates, the Brazilian slugger has a new matchup. He’ll be squaring off with former Welterweight kingpin Jack Della Maddalena as the headlining bout for UFC Perth in a matchup likely to carry seriously title implications for Prates, who aims to extend his current win streak to three.
