Dana White is finally striking an optimistic tone about Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return, and this time, it feels different.
For nearly five years, McGregor has remained on the sidelines following the brutal leg break he suffered against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. While the Irish star consistently promised a comeback, setbacks and stalled negotiations kept pushing that return further away.
Speaking after a recent UFC event, Dana White offered a rare positive update on the situation.
“It’s looking good,” White said. “Believe me, once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.”
That statement marks a sharp contrast from earlier in the year, when White admitted there was “no date” and negotiations were “not even close.” This time, there’s clear progress behind the scenes.
Conor McGregor has also done his part. He has stepped away from distractions, focused on training, and worked toward getting back into fighting shape. Reports suggest he is targeting a return during International Fight Week, potentially headlining UFC 329 in July.
A possible opponent is Max Holloway, a familiar name who has openly welcomed a rematch. Still, no official fight agreement has been finalized.
The biggest hurdle remains business. With the UFC moving away from the traditional pay-per-view model, both sides must agree on a new structure that reflects McGregor’s massive drawing power. That process has slowed negotiations in the past, but current signs point to real movement.
McGregor hasn’t fought since 2021, and he enters this comeback attempt on the back of consecutive losses to Poirier. Before that, a planned return against Michael Chandler also fell apart due to injury.
Despite all that, momentum is finally building. Dana White’s latest update doesn’t confirm a deal, but it sends a clear message: Conor McGregor’s return is closer than it has been in years.
