Dana White drops big Conor McGregor UFC return update

Often regarded as one of the most successful fighters in MMA and UFC, Conor McGregor rose to fame after his emergence in UFC. With his impressive fighting skills and loudmouth personality, McGregor soon became one of the most notable UFC bad boys.

A former World Champion, McGregor has remained out of action since 2021. After serving a suspension till Mar. 2026, McGregor is now free and eligible to return. With the UFC Freedom 250 card fast approaching and the UFC 329 card scheduled right after, McGregor is heavily rumored to return there.

Recently appearing and speaking on The Jim Rome Show, White opened up on McGregor’s status. “Conor [McGregor] will fight this summer. We’re in a great place with Conor,” White said. “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 training right now.” (via MMA Junkie)

Although White refrained from making any official announcement, rumors suggest that Max Holloway could be McGregor’s big return opponent. The fight is expected to take place at UFC 329 as part of International Fight Week on Jul. 11, 2026.

“He’ll fight this summer, let’s start there,” White added. “I thought it would happen last year, it didn’t. I’m extremely confident it will happen this summer. 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 will fight this summer.”

While previously rumored to be a part of the Freedom 250 card at the White House, McGregor did not return to be a part of that card and event.

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