SEATTLE — The comeback talk is back. And this time, it might actually be real. Conor McGregor is once again being linked to a long-awaited return to the octagon and according to Dana White, there’s legitimate momentum behind it.
With the UFC targeting July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for International Fight Week, speculation is growing that McGregor could headline the event. White confirmed the possibility but stopped short of anything concrete. “It’s possible,” White said following UFC Fight Night 271. “But nothing’s done… nothing’s even remotely close to being done.”
The Biggest Hurdle: Business
The biggest obstacle isn’t timing. It’s money. With the UFC transitioning away from its traditional pay-per-view model under a new deal with Paramount, McGregor’s contract situation becomes more complicated.
As the biggest draw in UFC history:
- McGregor commands premium compensation
- The new structure changes revenue streams
- Negotiations are expected to be intense
Until a deal is signed, nothing is guaranteed.
A Familiar Story — With a Different Tone
McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) hasn’t fought since 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier.
Since then:
- Multiple comeback teases
- Several rumored fights
- One near-return (UFC 303 vs. Michael Chandler)
That fight fell apart in 2024 when McGregor withdrew weeks before the event. Despite the history of false starts, White’s tone suggests cautious optimism. “I am optimistic,” White said. “I was pretty optimistic at the end of last year… I’m still confident.”
That’s a shift from past situations, where talks have often stalled earlier in the process.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
