Dana White update fuels McGregor return announcement theory

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Conor McGregor is said to be fully focused on his comeback camp, working behind closed doors to get ready for the UFC 303 event in June.

During a recent appearance on The Jim Rome Show, Dana White also provided an encouraging update. He stopped short of naming a date but sounded optimistic that everything was moving in the right direction behind the scenes.

The UFC’s International Fight Week event is now just eight weeks away, and fans are starting to get impatient for some official word.

Even though reports have suggested that Ariel Helwani’s early mention of McGregor might have caused a delay in the announcement, there’s also been speculation about whether it had more to do with negotiating details like the length of the fight.

Potential five-round format linked to delay in McGregor’s return announcement

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The New York Post reported on May 15 that Conor McGregor is close to finalising a bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329, scheduled for July 11.

McGregor, who has not fought since his leg injury against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, is expected to compete at welterweight. Reports indicate he is deep into his training camp.

One point mentioned was that McGregor’s team had previously requested a three-round fight for his cancelled 2024 return, rather than the typical five rounds. This could be part of the reason behind the delay in officially announcing UFC 329.

Erich Richter of The Post noted: “The expectation is that this bout will be for five rounds, though the number of rounds could be a reason for the holdup on this announcement as we get close to International Fight Week.”