Conor McGregor has confirmed he is in active negotiations with the UFC for a summer return, telling fans on Instagram that a deal is in the works — though the exact venue remains up in the air.
I am in negotiations with the UFC about the bout, either the White House or thereabouts," McGregor said in a short interview on his LITT drink brand's Instagram account. "Sometime in the summer, McGregor will return.
White House Slot Unlikely
Despite McGregor previously insisting his return at UFC's June 14 White House event was a "done deal, signed, delivered," Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani has reported that McGregor is not expected to appear on that card.
The UFC White House event carries no gate revenue for the promotion — with UFC projecting losses of up to $60 million on the invite-only show — making it a poor financial match for a fighter of McGregor's earning power.
International Fight Week the Target
UFC's International Fight Week card on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas has emerged as the most likely landing spot for McGregor's comeback, per Helwani. The annual marquee week is among the most lucrative on the UFC calendar and would give the promotion the blockbuster gate and PPV numbers a McGregor fight demands.
Contract Dispute Still a Factor
A significant hurdle remains in finalizing the deal. McGregor has argued that the UFC's new $7.7 billion Paramount+ broadcast agreement voids his existing contract, which was built around a PPV revenue-sharing structure. UFC President Dana White has not confirmed any agreement is imminent, stating bluntly: "If it was done and he accepted it, I would announce it."
Opponent TBD
No opponent has been confirmed or officially targeted. McGregor recently said he would accept a "no-name" opponent to simply get back into competition, posting "Day 15 of 'I accept, send the contract'" on social media.
Max Holloway has publicly expressed interest in a rematch, while Colby Covington has also lobbied for the fight, though White has shot down that pairing.
McGregor's last official bout ended in a doctor's stoppage TKO loss to Poirier after he snapped his tibia in the first round. He has not competed since.
Stay tuned to MMA News for updates as McGregor's return negotiations develop.