Dana White has tipped Conor McGregor to make his UFC return in the next six months as the Irishman continues to recover from a horror leg break.
McGregor has not stepped foot in the Octagon since July 2021, when he sustained the devastating injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
With just seconds remaining in the first round, his leg crumpled underneath him and his coach John Kavanagh later revealed that the break occurred as McGregor attempted a teep kick to Poirier’s stomach.
When asked by TMZ if he felt that McGregor would be back in the Octagon this year, UFC president White gave a confident answer.
“I think so, yeah,” White said. “He’s doing all the right things with his leg. I’m hoping he can come back this summer.”
A potential return event for McGregor could be UFC 276, which the promotion have confirmed will take place on July 2 in Las Vegas, as part of the 10th anniversary of International Fight Week.
The 33-year-old has lost three of his last four fights – two against Poirier and one against Khabib Nurmagomedov – so will be eager to get back in the cage once given the green light by doctors.
A blockbuster showdown with lightweight title holder Charles Oliveira has been mooted, with the Brazilian keen to face McGregor.
Notorious – currently ranked ninth in the lightweight standings – has been enjoying his down time over the last few months and has shared several photos of himself in his pub The Black Forge Inn, in Dublin.
However, he has continued to train throughout his recovery and looked in stellar shape in gym photos posted before Christmas.