Irish MMA sensation Conor McGregor might make his return to the Octagon in the first half of 2024, according to UFC President Dana White.
During his visit to New York City for UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden this Saturday, White hinted at the possibility of McGregor’s comeback this summer.
In a recent conversation with Adam Glyn, White shared that McGregor is eager and prepared for a return. White disclosed, “He’s good, he’s ready. He wants to [fight]. He’s got to sit out for the six months to get back into the (USADA) pool. So realistically… could be looking at him next summer.”
McGregor himself addressed his readiness at the Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury event in Saudi Arabia earlier this month. While teasing a potential boxing match with Manny Pacquiao, the 35-year-old also hinted at a UFC return in April.
“April is a lovely run up for me and I’d be happy with that. I’m in a good spot, I’ve been training – I’ve been leaving also. But I’ve been training and April seems like a good time to come back.”
McGregor has been absent from the Octagon since suffering a tibia injury in a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier in July 2021. After recovering from surgery, McGregor took on the role of a coach on the UFC’s reality series TUF.
Notably, his opposing coach was the No. 5 lightweight Michael Chandler. He is speculated to be McGregor’s opponent in his upcoming return.
Despite a 2-3 record in the UFC (23-8 MMA), Chandler has been one of the most explosive and entertaining competitors since joining the promotion.
Meanwhile, McGregor’s journey to fame is marked by his exceptional trash-talking skills coupled with his combat skill prowess. In less than a year, McGregor defeated Eddie Alvarez to win the lightweight title. He made history as the first person to win titles in two weight divisions simultaneously.
Less than a year later, McGregor made history by becoming the first simultaneous champion in two weight classes, defeating Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight crown.
McGregor’s success extend beyond the UFC, including his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather and notable MMA rivalries with Poirier, Nate Diaz, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.