UFC News: Conor McGregor wants to return this year, Dana White confirms

Fans of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) were right all along to expect that Conor McGregor is bound to return to the octagon sooner than what the word “retirement” usually means. The indirect confirmation of his return came from UFC President Dana White after sharing their recent text conversation with the press.

UFC news: Conor McGregor wants to fight in December

Shortly after the initial fight card for UFC 245 event was revealed, McGregor shook the Twitter world by a single and cryptic social media post. “The Notorious,” wrote, “Dublin, December 14th.” His tweet did not have any context, but it was easy to connect it to UFC 245 because the event is set on Dec. 14. However, UFC 245 will be taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, and not in McGregor’s hometown.

Finally, White gave some clarifications on McGregor’s tweet. During a press conference on Monday (via Sport Bible), White addressed the rumors that The Notorious could be fighting Justin Gaethje next. White ultimately dismissed that, but he also revealed that he asked McGregor if he wants to make the fight happen.

The UFC president said he texted McGregor to ask him “what he wants.” McGregor’s response was clear and what fans may have already anticipated. “He hit me back with December 14 in Dublin,” White revealed. This exchange says several things. McGregor will return to the UFC, but it is unlikely happening in December considering that all the major details such as fight card and the venue are already in place – unless UFC surprises fans and lets McGregor have it his way.

UFC rumors: Conor McGregor’s potential next opponents

When discussing McGregor’s return, it is impossible not to talk about his next opponents, and these questions are some things that White is regularly asked. White also believes that The Notorious would be fighting with Khabib Nurmagomedov again at some point, but he stressed that McGregor needs to have other fights first.

White suggested it is very likely the McGregor vs. Tony Ferguson happens first before the McGregor and Nurmagomedov rematch. But even this part could be tricky to predict because the undefeated Nurmagomedov and Ferguson are both mutually looking forward to having their first fight.