Dana White gives positive update on Conor McGregor comeback fight
Dana White offered his most optimistic assessment yet of Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return, telling reporters after UFC Winnipeg that contract talks with the former two-division champion are heading in the right direction. “It’s looking good,” White said, per MMA Fighting. “Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.”
The update marks a sharp turn from White’s tone in recent months. As late as March, the UFC CEO said the promotion had “no date for Conor right now” and wasn’t “even close” to finalizing a fight. Just last week, he described the situation as “same old” when asked about progress, according to MMA Mania.
McGregor targeting International Fight Week return in July
McGregor has been linked to a July 11 slot at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, which closes out International Fight Week. No opponent has been confirmed, though Max Holloway remains a popular option after beating McGregor in their 2013 featherweight bout and expressing interest in a rematch. The Irishman has not fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, a third consecutive loss dating to their 2020 knockout defeat.
McGregor was scheduled to return at UFC 303 last June against Michael Chandler but pulled out with a broken toe. The fight was never rescheduled. McGregor has since settled a lawsuit with former teammate Artem Lobov over Proper No. 12 whiskey profits and reduced his appearances at BKFC events despite his ownership stake in the bare-knuckle promotion. He said publicly late last year that he underwent ibogaine treatment to address unspecified trauma and has been training full-time since.
The holdup appears financial. McGregor earned most of his purses through pay-per-view points that no longer exist under the UFC’s current model, and the two sides have been negotiating a new compensation structure. If a deal closes soon, McGregor would attempt his first win in five years at 35 years old.
Photo by Nereid Ndreu on Unsplash
Original reporting:
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