's long-awaited comeback may have to wait a little longer than expected.
The Irish superstar, who last fought in 2021, has been teasing his return to the octagon for several months with hopes of competing again sometime in 2025. While next year is still the target schedule, says UFC CEO revealed that he now believes McGregor's return will come no sooner than later.
White addressed the latest on McGregor during an appearance on The Jim Rome Show when asked about potentially rebooking the fight after he was confronted at on Saturday.
“It’s a fun fight,” White said. “I think Conor and Chandler like this fight. When Conor comes back, which I think will be sometime later next year, we'll see where everyone stands and what's going on and we'll find out who's going to face Conor.
“That’s why everyone was so excited. Chandler and Conor McGregor is a fun fight.”
Hearing that McGregor likely won't return until late 2025 probably wasn't the news anyone was expecting after a broken toe delayed his originally scheduled fight against Chandler in June.
McGregor complained that he was preparing to fight again, but when it became clear he would not return in 2024, Chandler ultimately moved on. He now faces Oliveira in a five-round co-main event on Saturday's card at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Although Chandler has stated that he is still interested in fighting McGregor after waiting almost two years for the duel, it looks like he will have to change his expectations about rescheduling the fight.
Despite the constant delays, White remains confident that McGregor will eventually return to the UFC, but also maintains that all bets are off since the former two-division champion has made an absurd amount of money over the course of his career.
“It's a fact that he does [want to come back next year]said White. “He and I probably talk four or five times a month. He definitely wants to come back.
“We'll just see. Every time I'm here I tell you money – money messes everything up. So we’ll see.”
