Dana White Hints Conor McGregor Nearing UFC Return After Near 5-Year Layoff

The last time Conor McGregor stepped into the UFC octagon was July 10, 2021.

The former two-division champion lost via TKO to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 after suffering a broken tibia suffered after rolling his ankle in the first round of the bout.

It was the second time in seven months McGregor lost to Poirier via TKO (Poirier knocked him out in Round 2 of their UFC 257 main event). Ever since that last Poirier fight though, McGregor has been working toward making his return.

Many thought it would come against top welterweight contender Michael Chandler after they coached opposite one another on Season 31 of "The Ultimate Fighter" back in 2024, but McGregor suffered a broken toe while promoting the fight, which was subsequently canceled.

But a year-and-a-half later, it seems a McGregor return could be announced sometime soon, according to UFC president Dana White.

"Any update on Conor McGregor's possible return?" a reporter asked White during a UFC press event this week.

"It's looking good," White stated. "Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it."

McGregor had been advocating for a spot on the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House in July. He even said his bout with Chandler was finally supposed to happen then but the UFC kept changing its mind.

"I was up for the White House - I know the administration was strong for me to be [on the White House card]," McGregor stated. "It was supposed to be McGregor vs. Chandler - the story was built in, Chandler is a stand-up guy, he's electric in the cage, he always brings it. It would have been dynamite."

The main event of the White House card will be Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje for the lightweight championship, and the co-main event will feature Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship.

McGregor hinted he would be interested in returning during International Fight Week July 9-12, though he's not picky about when and who he fights when he returns.

"I'm still here in this limbo," McGregor stated. "… I hope a respectable offer comes through. I'm notoriously good to deal with. I'm an honest man, I admire fairness, and I'm sure we can get it done."

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This story was originally published April 19, 2026 at 6:19 PM.