Dana White: McGregor Close to UFC 329 Return

UFC President Dana White indicated on Saturday that former two-division champion Conor McGregor is close to securing a return bout, potentially at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas. The Irish fighter, who has been sidelined since suffering a broken leg in a 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier, could headline the event during International Fight Week, marking his first appearance in the octagon in nearly four years.

White's comments came during a press conference following UFC Fight Night in Winnipeg, where he addressed ongoing negotiations with McGregor. "It's looking good," White said. "Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it." This update contrasts with his more cautious remarks last month, when he described talks as "nothing even remotely close to being done." McGregor, who turns 38 just days after the proposed date, is expected to compete at welterweight.

The path to McGregor's comeback has been fraught with setbacks. His last fight ended abruptly in the first round of UFC 264 against Poirier, the second consecutive defeat to his rival after a knockout loss earlier that year. A planned 2024 matchup with Michael Chandler fell through due to a broken...