Dana White sets timetable for Conor McGregor’s return: “I’m hoping he can come back this summer”
UFC president Dana White set a timetable for the return of superstar Conor McGregor, suggesting that he is hopeful for a summer comeback.
McGregor, the UFC’s biggest star and its No. 1 pay-per-view cash cow, broke his leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier last summer at UFC 264. For McGregor, it was his second straight defeat to Poirier, which stung enough. But the fact he also broke his leg in that fight and has been out for the last six months has got to sting even more. However, it looks like there is now some light at the end of the tunnel, as White has given a potential timetable for when we may see McGregor step into the Octagon again.
Speaking to TMZ Sports, White suggested that “The Notorious” could return as soon as this summer.
“I think so (that he fights in 2022). He’s doing all the right things with his leg. I’m hoping he can come back this summer,” White said.
McGregor is currently the No. 9 ranked lightweight in the UFC, being sandwiched in between Dan Hooker and Gregor Gillespie in the promotion’s 155lbs rankings. It’s been a stark fall from grace for McGregor in the rankings over the last few years. While he was once the undisputed top fighter in the weight class, it has been several years since that’s been the case.
While he is obviously one of the biggest stars in the sport still, it remains to be seen whether or not McGregor will be able to successfully return from his injury. The broken leg he suffered was brutal, so there is no way to tell for sure if he will be able to achieve the amount of success that he had prior to the injury. At the same time, you have to respect McGregor for putting in the work for a comeback.
Who do you want to see Dana White and the UFC matchmakers pair up Conor McGregor against in his return to the Octagon?