Dana White is finally sounding positive about the return of the biggest star in UFC history.
For nearly five years, MMA fans have patiently awaited the return of Conor McGregor after the Irish sports star broke his leg in half back at UFC 264. “The Notorious” always insisted he’d return, but over the years those words started to ring hollow, especially after a UFC 303 withdrawal over a broken pinky toe was never rebooked.
Who’s to blame? The UFC has been accused of freezing McGregor out at points.
But the Mac hasn’t exactly seemed fight-ready for much of this time period, either. Whatever the case, the end of 2025 saw Conor vow to step back from the spotlight to focus on training. He underwent Ibogaine treatment to deal with unspecified ‘trauma.’ And from all accounts, he’s been back in the gym preparing properly for a return.
All he needed now was a bout agreement from UFC … which has not been easy to secure. McGregor made most of his fight money over the years off pay-per-view points that no longer exist. A new deal must be reached before he’ll fight again, and UFC CEO Dana White has not sounded optimistic on that front.
“We have no date for Conor right now,” White said in March. “Not even close.”
Just last week, White said it was “Same old [story],” regarding McGregor.
But following UFC Winnipeg, White made a positive update for once.
“It’s looking good,” White said at the post-fight presser. “Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.”
With McGregor rumored to be headlining UFC 329 on International Fight Week (Jul. 11, 2026), we’re getting close to the date where UFC will need to get it done and announced. After a year of fumbling big fights and leaving their biggest names on the sidelines, can they pull this one off?
