Dana White confirms Conor McGregor’s UFC return is progressing well
UFC president Dana White has confirmed that Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the octagon is progressing well ahead of a targeted July bout in Las Vegas.
The 37-year-old has not competed since suffering a broken leg during his second consecutive defeat by Dustin Poirier in 2021.
A planned comeback last year was ultimately derailed when the former dual-weight champion sustained a broken toe.
However, speaking at a press conference following UFC Fight Night in Winnipeg, White offered an optimistic update regarding the situation.
“It’s looking good. Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.”
Summer return on the cards
Reports suggest the comeback is likely to headline UFC 329 at the T-Mobile Arena on 11 July.
This event falls just three days before the Irishman celebrates his 38th birthday.
While an opponent has not yet been finalised, the prospective matchup is expected to take place in the welterweight division.
The Dublin-born fighter had previously sought a spot on the promotion’s White House card in June, though that event’s schedule is now completely full.
A turbulent few years
McGregor made history during his prime by becoming the first simultaneous two-weight champion in the organisation’s history.
His meteoric rise included a 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo and a historic stoppage victory over Eddie Alvarez at Madison Square Garden.
However, the controversial star has only fought four times in mixed martial arts since a lucrative boxing crossover against Floyd Mayweather in 2017.
His sole victory during this period came via a 40-second stoppage of Donald Cerrone in 2020.
Outside the octagon, the fighter has also faced significant legal battles in recent years.
In 2024, a civil-court jury in Dublin found him liable for a 2018 sexual assault, allegations which he continues to vehemently deny.
