Conor McGregor could finally be preparing to step back inside the UFC octagon after nearly five years away from competition. UFC CEO Dana White has revealed that discussions with the Irish fighter are progressing positively, and a return bout could take place this summer. While the UFC has yet to officially announce an opponent or date, White expressed greater confidence than he has in a long time regarding McGregor's comeback plans.
Potential Return at UFC 329
For months, fans have encountered various rumors about where and against whom McGregor might fight. One of the most prominent possibilities is UFC 329, scheduled during International Fight Week on July 11 in Las Vegas. Former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway has reportedly been discussed as a potential opponent, though the UFC has not confirmed any details. Speaking to sports radio host Jim Rome, White stated that McGregor is fully training again and appears motivated for a return.
“We’re in a good place,” White said. “We’re in a great place with Conor. I’m extremely confident that Conor will fight this year. I’m extremely confident that we’ll get him dialed in and ready to roll. He’s training, there’s footage out there of him in training right now.”
White also emphasized that fans should expect McGregor back sooner rather than later. “We haven’t announced anything yet,” White added. “He’ll fight this summer. Let me just start there. He’ll fight this summer.”
Training and Motivation
McGregor was initially expected to return earlier this year for a UFC card planned around a White House event on June 14. However, according to White, the promotion later changed direction. This shift has fueled speculation that UFC 329 could become the official venue for McGregor’s comeback. At the same time, UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has been linked to UFC 330 in August. Consequently, July appears to be the most likely timeframe for McGregor if the UFC intends to have him headline a major pay-per-view event during International Fight Week.
White acknowledged that he also believed McGregor would fight last year, but those plans never materialized. “I thought it would happen last year. It didn’t,” White said. “I’m extremely confident it will happen this summer. He seems motivated, he’s training. There are a lot of other great things going on behind the scenes that make me very confident he’ll fight this summer.”
McGregor's Hiatus and Recent Activities
McGregor has not fought since July 2021, when he broke his leg during his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier. Since then, the Irish star has remained active outside the cage. He coached on “The Ultimate Fighter,” continued his rivalry with Michael Chandler, and became a part-owner in BKFC. Now, after years of uncertainty about whether he would ever return, McGregor appears closer than ever to making his UFC comeback official.
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About the Author: Sehjal Gupta is a sports journalist covering US and international sports, with a specialization in the NFL. She has been writing about sports since 2025, reporting on leagues, tournaments, and athletes who shape the game. A Master’s in Management adds depth to her analysis, while her love for Hollywood movies and pop culture sparks her storytelling voice, a flair that also shapes her entertainment writing, giving it the same energy and creativity she brings to sports.
