UFC chief Dana White refutes Conor McGregor's call for December fight, targets early 2025 return

Dana White has dismissed UFC fans' optimism about a Conor McGregor return in 2024, but has earmarked the early stages of next year as a likely target to end the Irishman's Octagon hiatus. McGregor has been out of UFC action since July 2021, when he suffered a broken leg at the end of the opening round against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. White said McGregor is "one of the big superstars" in UFC.

Bisping breaks down O'Malley vs Dvalishvili ahead of UFC 306

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UFC CEO Dana White has targeted early 2025 for Conor McGregor's return to the Octagon, despite the Irishman's pressure to finalise a December fight.

McGregor was set for a long-awaited return to the sport in June, but a broken toe put way to his UFC 303 clash against Michael Chandler - scheduled to take place in Las Vegas.

The 36-year-old has not featured in the Octagon since suffering a broken leg in July 2021 during his UFC 264 fight with Dustin Poirier.

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And in August, McGregor said on X that he wants a December fight, urging White to "bring the calendar year home with a winning event", before subsequently deleting the post.

Speaking to the New York Post ahead of UFC 306, White said: "Let me tell you this, I was the one this year saying I don't think he's going to fight this year, amid all the talk and everything else. Conor McGregor will fight next year, early 2025."

Before his three-year-long hiatus from the sport, McGregor was one of UFC's most popular and charismatic competitors, and backed it up with impressive performances in the Octagon with a professional record of 22-6.

The Irishman has since starred in movies, as well as becoming part-owner at Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships, but White expressed just how important McGregor is to the UFC.

"He's had so much time off, as far as the hunger, he's a very wealthy guy," White said.

Conor McGregor

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"We'll find out. We'll find out when he comes back, but he is definitely one of the big superstars of the sport that elevated the UFC all throughout Europe and other parts of the world. He's been a big star and a great partner for us."

White has also previously rebutted claims there will be a December fight involving McGregor, including in August, when the UFC chief said: "He won't fight this year".

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