Dana White says Conor McGregor’s comeback nearly finalized, teases ‘great things’ in the works

UFC CEO Dana White gave a huge update on Conor McGregor’s comeback, teasing that an announcement is imminent for his return.

It’s been almost five full years since former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor fought in the Octagon against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Just minutes into their trilogy matchup, McGregor injured his leg and underwent a long road back to fighting.

McGregor has teased a UFC comeback for months since withdrawing from his planned return to the cage against Michael Chandler at UFC 303. UFC CEO Dana White has responded to questions about McGregor’s status with vague answers, hinting that the promotion doesn’t have any plans to offer him a return.

It’s been reported recently by Ariel Helwani and others that the UFC is targeting McGregor’s comeback for International Fight Week at UFC 329 in July, although nothing has been formally confirmed by the promotion. But in arguably his most detailed update yet on McGregor’s desired return to fighting, White hinted that things are nearing finality.

Dana White: Conor McGregor ‘will fight this summer’

In a recent interview on The Jim Rome Show, White was asked about McGregor’s comeback and hinted that a formal announcement is imminent.

“We’re in a great place with Conor. I’m extremely confident that Conor will fight this year.”@DanaWhite says Conor McGregor has NOT fought for the last time in #UFC. pic.twitter.com/y9P7AiOFE3

— Jim Rome (@jimrome) May 7, 2026

“We’re in a good place,” White said of McGregor’s comeback plans.

“We’re in a great place with Conor. 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.

“We haven’t announced anything yet. He’ll fight this summer. Let me just start there. He’ll fight this summer.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

One potential opponent for McGregor in his comeback is former BMF titleholder Max Holloway, who lost the BMF belt to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 earlier this year. McGregor and Holloway fought earlier in their careers at featherweight, with McGregor earning a unanimous decision win.

Just days away from UFC 328, White and the matchmakers seem hard at work in finalizing McGregor’s comeback, and a formal announcement could come later this month.

Who do you think Conor McGregor should fight in his UFC return? Let us know in the comments!