Conor McGregor hints at new UFC deal as MMA legend plots comeback

Conor McGregor has not fought since suffering a broken leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 back in 2021, but is hoping to return to the cage next year

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Conor McGregor has suggested the UFC are working on a fresh contract after discussing what lies ahead for him.

The Irishman has not stepped into the Octagon since his brutal loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. He was set to make his comeback last year against former Bellator world champion Michael Chandler, but an injury forced him to withdraw from the bout.

McGregor, 37, has been sharing regular training clips in recent months as speculation mounts over a potential return. The former dual-weight UFC champion is hoping to compete again next year, with UFC boss Dana White confirming plans for a historic White House card next June, reports All Out Fighting.

Last week, the Irishman revealed his UFC comeback is confirmed. "It's a done deal, signed, delivered," McGregor told Sean Hannity. "End of negotiations. McGregor will compete in the White House for America's 250th birthday." The 37 year old has two fights remaining on his current UFC contract, with uncertainty surrounding whether the organisation will secure him to fresh terms.

Whilst remaining coy about his UFC future and hinting at a possible switch to BKFC - a promotion he co-owns - the Irishman has recently teased that he might sign a new deal with MMA's leading promotion. Speaking at a BKFC event on Saturday night, he said: "I miss the fight game.

"And I am excited about what is ahead. I know Dave (Feldman) wants me in the bare knuckle. The UFC are concocting a new contract deal or whatever is going to happen, I do not know. We will see. We will take it day by day, but God is great and I thank him everyday."

Following confirmation that his UFC comeback is official, White brutally dismissed McGregor's recent claims. "We are still talking about the production and how everything is going to work at the White House," White said.

"We have not started negotiating any fights for the White House yet, that won't start until February. Conor wants to fight on that card, and you can clearly see Conor is very fired up to fight on that card. But nothing is done yet, and no fights are being negotiated with the White House."

White's final remarks follow the Irishman's assertion that he is negotiating directly with the White House ahead of his UFC return. "I'm not negotiating with the UFC on behalf of myself for this fight like usual," he told Seconds Out. "I am negotiating with the United States of America on behalf of Ireland for this fight, so it is a peculiar one. But Trump, the administration have been fully supportive and backing and I cannot wait to put on a show."

McGregor appears to be solely focused on a UFC comeback after announcing his departure from social media - just days after he openly confessed that he struggled to cope with his immense fame and rapid rise. In a post shared on X, he penned: "Hey folks online, I'm out of here for a bit, see you again soon! My love, unwavering! Thank you all."

When's the next UFC event?

Charles Oliveira is set to return to the cage on Saturday night against Mateusz Gamrot. The event is slated to take place at the Farmasi Arena in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The prelims are anticipated to kick off around 9pm UK time (4pm ET / 1pm PT / 3pm CT), while the main card will commence at 12am UK time Sunday (7pm ET / 4pm PT / 6pm CT).

In the headline event, Gamrot is expected to make his entrance to the cage first at approximately 3am UK time Sunday (10pm ET / 7pm PT / 9pm CT). Fans in the United Kingdom can catch all the action live on TNT Sports.