Conor McGregor has not entered the octagon for over three years, and yet a large percentage of UFC fans remain optimistic that he will return in 2025.

The Irishman’s last outing came against spiteful technician Dustin Poirier, whose emphatic first-round stoppage victory ended in even more destructive fashion than their first encounter.

And so, after suffering back-to-back knockout defeats to Poirier in 2021, Conor McGregor has since taken an extended hiatus to focus on his flourishing business ventures.

This, in turn, has sparked a divided discussion regarding his potential MMA comeback, with the 36-year-old seemingly more interested in pouring pints of Forged Irish Stout and promoting his co-owned BKFC organization.

Dana White believes that Conor McGregor will return to the UFC in 2025

McGregor, of course, was set to collide with former UFC title challenger Michael Chandler earlier this year, after the pair went toe-to-toe on The Ultimate Fighter series.

But despite the enthralling promotion behind their scheduled showdown, McGregor was ultimately forced to pull out after picking up an injury in his training camp.

And so, Chandler has now set his sights on an intriguing rematch with Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, looking to exact revenge on the Brazilian MMA legend.

But still, UFC boss Dana White remains convinced that McGregor will return to the octagon next year, without knowing who ‘The Notorious’ could fight.

“Conor has gotten into a position where he’s made so much money and, you know, he has all these businesses that continue to make him a lot of money,” White told Outta Pocket with RGIII.

“It’s tough to get up and fight when you’re in the position that he’s in. But I do believe that Conor McGregor will fight in [2025].

“There is no fight made, or a date set.”

Dana White is asked when Conor McGregor is coming back.pic.twitter.com/637fPdVUxE

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) October 21, 2024