Dana White sounds optimistic on Conor McGregor comeback deal

Boxingnews Editor

19 April 2026

Dana White gave his most positive update in months on Conor McGregor’s comeback negotiations, telling reporters after UFC Winnipeg that the two sides are making progress on a deal for the former champion’s first fight in five years.

“It’s looking good,” White said at the post-fight press conference, per MMA Fighting. “Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.”

McGregor rumored for UFC 329 on International Fight Week

The development marks a sharp reversal from White’s tone in recent weeks. As recently as March, the UFC president said there was “no date for Conor right now” and the two sides were “not even close” to an agreement. According to MMA Mania, White described the situation as “same old” just last week. The sticking point has been finances, with McGregor’s old pay-per-view points structure no longer in place and a new compensation framework still being negotiated.

McGregor has been mentioned for UFC 329 on July 11, the capstone of International Fight Week 2026. Max Holloway remains a popular opponent choice and has said publicly he wants the rematch. McGregor spent most of 2025 away from the spotlight after undergoing Ibogaine treatment and refocusing on training camp. He settled a lawsuit with former teammate Artem Lobov over profits from his Proper No. 12 whiskey brand and has dialed back appearances at BKFC events despite his ownership stake in the promotion.

If McGregor fights in July, he will attempt to snap a two-fight skid against Dustin Poirier. The trilogy bout in 2021 ended with a catastrophic broken leg that put him on the shelf. He was scheduled to return against Michael Chandler in 2024 but withdrew with a broken toe and the bout was never rebooked.

With less than three months until International Fight Week, the UFC is running out of runway to finalize and announce the card.

Photo by yousef samuil on Unsplash

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