Conor McGregor’s comeback tipped to be pushed back four months despite UFC 329 talk

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One former UFC champion isn’t buying into the idea that Conor McGregor will headline International Fight Week later this year.

He’s floated 2026 as his targeted return year, but there’s still nothing firm on the schedule.

McGregor also wanted a fight at the White House, but that didn’t happen either. Both he and Jon Jones were denied matchups in Washington D.C. this June.

“I want Conor to come back. I do believe Conor is gonna come back,” Sonnen said on his Good Guy/Bad Guy show with Daniel Cormier.

Chael Sonnen expects Conor McGregor’s UFC return to be at Madison Square Garden in November

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According to reporter Ariel Helwani, Max Holloway is currently the leading candidate to face McGregor at UFC 329, scheduled for July 11 in Las Vegas.

However, during a Q&A on his YouTube channel, Sonnen expressed doubts about that timeline.

He suggested instead that McGregor might return four months later, with Madison Square Garden in New York City as a potential venue.

“I do not think he’s gonna fight International Fight Week,” Sonnen said.

“I do believe that Conor wants to return. I believe he’s going to return. I believe the most likely date if we look at the calendar right now — and this is a guess because many people are saying International Fight Week.

“I think if you look at the calendar as is, what spot do you insert McGregor into? I believe November at Madison Square Garden is currently the leading proposition.”

The Irishman hasn’t fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. He was due to face Michael Chandler following their coaching stints on The Ultimate Fighter, but that bout was scrapped after McGregor suffered a broken toe.