‘If he does fight’ – Dana White breaks silence on Conor McGregor’s UFC future
Dana White insists Conor McGregor could still return to the UFC in 2025. McGregor was found liable for sexual assault in a civil case taken out by Nikita Hand last month, a verdict reached by an Irish jury. McGregor hasn’t fought in the UFC since 2021Getty He was forced to pay 250,000 euros [£206,000] in damages and legal costs to Ms Hand by a judge. The Irishman has denied the allegations and intends to appeal the decision, insisting he was ‘disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence’ as part of the case. When asked for a first reaction to the outcome of the civil case at the UFC 310 post-fight press conference, White said: “What do you mean what’s my reaction? “If I had a comment I would have put it out already.” McGregor hasn’t fought in the UFC since breaking his leg in a trilogy defeat to Dustin Poirier in 2021. He was set to return last July against Michael Chandler, but the fight was shelved as he withdrew after breaking his toe. White was then asked about his future with the MMA promotion, and when he could fight again. He added: “He hasn’t been fighting here in how long? “If he does fight it will be sometime next year.” McGregor has fought just three times since losing to bitter rival Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018, with his career massively faltering in recent years. White hinted the door is still open for McGregor to fight in 2025Getty He made an epic comeback beating Donald Cerrone in 2020, after a two year hiatus following the devastating loss. But back-to-back defeats against Poirier have seen him drop out of title contention, and he faces an uncertain future. McGregor remains the biggest name on the UFC roster, and would have a whole host of options should he choose to make a comeback in 2025. The Irishman has hinted at several return dates, including a suggestion he would fight Dan Hooker in February. But official communications have failed to materialise, and his next octagon exploit remains up in the air. McGregor has teased a number of alternative options, despite having two fights remaining on his contract with the UFC. McGregor has yet to declare his own plans for his next fightGetty He owns bare-knuckle fighting promotion BKFC, and has teased an appearance in the sport. The 36-year-old even hinted he would fight former UFC star Jeremy Stephens, who he famously mocked with his ‘who the f**k is that guy?’ jibe.
Dana White insists Conor McGregor could still return to the UFC in 2025.
McGregor was found liable for sexual assault in a civil case taken out by Nikita Hand last month, a verdict reached by an Irish jury.
He was forced to pay 250,000 euros [£206,000] in damages and legal costs to Ms Hand by a judge.
The Irishman has denied the allegations and intends to appeal the decision, insisting he was ‘disappointed that the jury did not hear all the evidence’ as part of the case.
When asked for a first reaction to the outcome of the civil case at the UFC 310 post-fight press conference, White said: “What do you mean what’s my reaction?
“If I had a comment I would have put it out already.”
McGregor hasn’t fought in the UFC since breaking his leg in a trilogy defeat to Dustin Poirier in 2021.
He was set to return last July against Michael Chandler, but the fight was shelved as he withdrew after breaking his toe.
White was then asked about his future with the MMA promotion, and when he could fight again.
He added: “He hasn’t been fighting here in how long?
“If he does fight it will be sometime next year.”
McGregor has fought just three times since losing to bitter rival Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018, with his career massively faltering in recent years.
He made an epic comeback beating Donald Cerrone in 2020, after a two year hiatus following the devastating loss.
But back-to-back defeats against Poirier have seen him drop out of title contention, and he faces an uncertain future.
McGregor remains the biggest name on the UFC roster, and would have a whole host of options should he choose to make a comeback in 2025.
The Irishman has hinted at several return dates, including a suggestion he would fight Dan Hooker in February.
But official communications have failed to materialise, and his next octagon exploit remains up in the air.
McGregor has teased a number of alternative options, despite having two fights remaining on his contract with the UFC.
He owns bare-knuckle fighting promotion BKFC, and has teased an appearance in the sport.
The 36-year-old even hinted he would fight former UFC star Jeremy Stephens, who he famously mocked with his ‘who the f**k is that guy?’ jibe.
