Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor appears to be closing in on a deal that would bring him back to the UFC octagon this summer, multiple industry sources are reporting.
The Irish fighter, who has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during his 2021 bout against Dustin Poirer, is reportedly very close to finalizing terms for a rematch against Max Holloway scheduled for July 11 during International Fight Week at UFC 29, according to combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani.
Speaking on his program, Helwani defended his reporting track record: “I was the first person to tell you Conor was coming back, I was the first person to tell you it was going to be Conor versus Max, I’m still the only one. I can’t dictate or decide when they are going to announce things because that’s arbitrary. What I can tell you are the facts. So, I will never get wrong fight bookings, matchups, things of that nature.”
While UFC President Dana White expressed being “very confident” that the 37-year-old McGregor will return to competition soon during an appearance on “The Jim Rome Show,” he confirmed that no contract has been finalized and no official opponent has been revealed. Helwani, however, suggested fans should anticipate a formal announcement before UFC Freedom 250, which is set for 8 p.m. Saturday, June 14 at the White House.
“If you don’t believe me, you’re going to be proven wrong. As of right now, they’re on the goal line,” Helwani stated. “I’ve never said it’s signed, sealed, and delivered. It will be. I just want to make that clear, I am not walking this back.”
The reporter added: “Something awful has to happen for this fight not to come to fruition July 11. (Announcing) it at the White House would be too late, that would be less than a month.”
In a follow-up comment, Helwani acknowledged White’s position, saying: “Dana is right. It is not signed, sealed, and delivered. Is one side signed, sealed?”
The potential matchup would mark a reunion between McGregor and Holloway, who is now 34 years old. The two fighters previously met in 2013 in the featherweight category, with McGregor securing victory by unanimous decision.
