Could Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return to the octagon finally be in the works?
According to UFC president Dana White on The Jim Rome Show, he’s “extremely confident” that the MMA icon will fight this year.
White went on to say, “we’re in a great place with Conor.”
McGregor, a former two-division champ in the UFC, hasn’t fought since back-to-back losses against Dustin Poirier in 2021 — the second of which was stopped after the opening round when the Irishman broke his ankle.
The now 37-year-old was supposed to make his return at UFC 303 in June of 2024, but had to pull out due to a broken toe. There’s been little traction on McGregor’s return to the UFC in the time since.
Although “The Notorious” has publicly campaigned to take part in the UFC’s upcoming Freedom 250 card, which is set to take place on the South Lawn of the White House in June, there’s been no indication that McGregor will be added to what’s currently a seven-fight event.
McGregor, the first UFC fighter to hold UFC championships in two weight classes simultaneously, owns a 22-6-0 record as a pro. Although three of those losses came during his last four fights in the UFC.
Still, White appears optimistic that McGregor can get ready for a return in the coming months.
“He seems motivated, he’s training, and there are a lot of other great things going on behind the scenes that make me very confident that he’ll fight this summer.”
