Dana White indicates Conor McGregor will return to fight in summer 2026

Stop us if you’ve heard this one before: Conor McGregor is coming back soon.

Ultimate Fighting Championship star McGregor has often been a subject for discussion since his last fight in July 2021 when Dustin Poirier broke his leg in their trilogy match. Regularly injecting himself into championship conversations, keeping himself in the news by floating things like vying for the middleweight belt, he has been regularly asked about by fans and media members alike.

On Thursday, UFC chief Dana White appeared on “The Jim Rome Show,” where he spoke about McGregor’s future with the promotion. White explained upfront that the relationship between McGregor and the company is indeed in a good place. He further noted that the comeback for the Irishman, who will turn 38 in July, is in the works. McGregor himself often posts photos and videos of his training to get in shape for his next match.

The cure for the summertime blues

If what White says comes to fruition, McGregor could be back in the Octagon sooner than most think. He has been rumored for a return on International Fight Week, where he could serve as the headliner to UFC 329 on July 11—three days before his birthday—in Las Vegas rematching Max Holloway.

“We’re in a great place with Conor,” White remarked. “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.”

When pressed for more details by broadcaster Jim Rome, White kept his cards close to the vest but did reveal a bit more information.

“We haven’t announced anything yet,” the UFC President and CEO said with a laugh. “He’ll fight this summer. Let me just start there. He’ll fight this summer.”