Dana White 'confident' Conor McGregor nearing UFC return

Dana White says the UFC is working toward Conor McGregor's first fight in five years, and it could be real this time. As former two-division UFC champion McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) vocalizes that his comeback is nearing reality, and UFC recently booking a July 11 date for T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas that would represent its annual International Fight Week, the stars could aligning for "The Notorious" to get back in the cage. McGregor competing in July is "possible," UFC CEO White told reporters after Saturday's UFC Fight Night 271 event.

However, White affirms that "nothing's done. " In fact, "nothing's even remotely close to be done," he said. It's no secret a potentially contentious contract negotiation will have to be finalized before McGregor graces the octagon again in the wake of UFC leaving pay-per-view behind for its new deal with Paramount.

If that gets over the finish line, though, a McGregor comeback would be meaningful for the sport. This story has replayed many times over the past half-decade, however, and it's only once truly come close. McGregor derailed that by withdrawing from his scheduled UFC 303 fight vs.

Michael Chandler in July 2024 on just weeks' notice, but perhaps this time will be different. Comparatively speaking to past occasions, White expressed a tone of optimism that it will get over the finish line. "I am (optimistic)," White said.