Conor McGregor Return News Expected Within ‘Next 24 Hours': Report

UFC President Dana White stirred the pot earlier this week during an appearance on the “Jim Rome Show” when he revealed that Conor McGregor, who has last fought back in July 2021, would be returning to the octagon this summer.

"We're in a good place, we're in a great place with Conor. I'm extremely confident that will Conor will fight this year,” White said. “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. I thought it would happen last year. It didn't, I'm extremely confident it will happen this summer. He seems motivated, he's training. There are a lot of other great things going on behind the scenes that make me very confident he'll fight this summer.”

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Despite White signaling that Conor McGregor's return is nearing, it appears a potential opponent and fight date could be revealed during UFC 328 on Saturday night, according to MMA and boxing reporter Ariel Helwani.

Helwani said Friday night that news surrounding McGregor's comeback fight is expected to be announced within "the next 24 hours or so."

"He pissed me off on Monday when he didn't believe my report on Conor McGregor, and I'm about to shove it in his face when they announce it in the next 24 hours or so," Helwani said.

McGregor, now 37 years old, would certainly need a favorable matchup if he is going to make a successful return, and that is likely the approach White takes when selecting his opponent.

Whether it ends up being Michael Chandler - who has long been linked to a fight with McGregor - or another intriguing name in the UFC, the promotion will likely look to set up a matchup that gives the Irishman the best possible path back into the spotlight.

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This story was originally published May 9, 2026 at 9:21 AM.