UFC president Dana White has given fans a significant update about when they can expect to see Conor McGregor return to the Octagon.
The Irishman hasn’t fought since suffering a horrific broken leg during his UFC 264 loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. The injury occurred when McGregor attempted to land one of his signature leg kicks.
The image of McGregor on the ground, hurling insults at his opponent, was a sad sight for many of his supporters.
After the fight, he was handed a six-month medical suspension. That suspension expired in January, meaning McGregor is now eligible to compete again in the UFC. Fans, however, have not been given a definitive date of when they can expect to see the Irishman compete – or who he would face.
In December, his trainer John Kavanagh suggested that he could participate in a ‘legacy‘ bout against the likes of Nate Diaz or Tony Ferguson.
Read: Nate Diaz reveals UFC retirement plans, wants one more fight
Conor McGregor has hinted at a return
Throughout his time away from the UFC, Conor McGregor has not kept himself quiet.
He has engaged in social media spats with the likes of Nate Diaz and current UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. McGregor even called out boxing superstar Canelo Alvarez last March.
Posting on Instagram in January, he promised to “smoke” Oliveira and Paris Saint-Germain footballer Neymar in response to a photo featuring the aforementioned duo that was posted on Oliveira’s account.
Read: Conor McGregor aims surreal “smoke” dig at Charles Oliveira and Neymar
Then, in February, he confirmed that he would be abstaining from alcohol “very soon” to prepare for his next fight.
Dana White discusses Nate Diaz v Dustin Poirier
Dana White and the UFC are working on a grudge match between two of McGregor’s old foes – Nate Diaz and Dustin Poirier.
In January, Poirier confirmed that he would take on his fellow American in “less than six weeks, for sure“. However, that time has been and gone.
Speaking to TMZ Sports about the potential fight, White explains: “We’re still working on that fight. That fight is not done.
“I wouldn’t count out a Conor v Nate III. I’d be shocked if that fight didn’t happen.”
White gives McGregor injury return timeline
White’s last sentence will undoubtedly have piqued the interest of UFC fans across the globe. Diaz and McGregor faced each other at UFC 196 and UFC 202, recording one victory each. Both men are desperate for a decider.
But the more pressing concern for fans is McGregor’s return to Octagon. White has given a significant new update that will provide fans with hope.
When asked about a summer target, he replied: “Yeah. He’s chomping at the bit to come back. Realistically, when you look at everything he’s got going on right now, coming back and the other things that need to get done to be ready and prepare again, it’s probably going to be early fall/autumn.”
There you have it, then. UFC fans can finally mark their calendar – at least roughly – with a potential McGregor return date. If White’s prediction is proven correct, it will be over a year since the Irishman last fought inside the Octagon. Fans will be hoping his return fight is well worth the wait.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
