Dana White says he is "extremely confident" Conor McGregor will finally return to action this summer, with talks for the former champion’s next UFC bout described as close to the finish line.
White confirmed that the UFC and McGregor are "nearly at the finish line" for his comeback fight after earlier hopes of having him compete on the UFC White House card did not materialize. McGregor has been discussed as a possible headliner for UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas during International Fight Week 2026, though nothing has been announced.
"We’re in a good place," White said. "We’re in a great place with Conor. I’m extremely confident that will 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." He added, "We haven’t announced anything yet. He’ll fight this summer. Let me just start there. He’ll fight this summer."
Max Holloway is a leading candidate to be McGregor’s opponent for his next fight, but no matchup has been formalized.
McGregor has not fought since 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. Since then, he has coached a season of The Ultimate Fighter, engaged in a rivalry with Michael Chandler, and become a part-owner in BKFC. White reflected on the delays to McGregor’s return, stating, "I thought it would happen last year. It didn’t," but reiterated, "I’m extremely confident it will happen this summer."
