Dana White has a Conor McGregor return update fans won’t like

UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that Conor McGregor will be sidelined for approximately one year following a devastating knee injury suffered during his comeback bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329. McGregor's long-anticipated return lasted just 69 seconds before the Irish star threw a kick that resulted in an ACL and meniscus tear, ending the rematch in anticlimactic fashion.

The former two-division champion immediately revealed the extent of the damage and has since targeted a comeback for summer 2027, specifically eyeing International Fight Week as the date for what would be the final fight of his UFC contract. White addressed McGregor's recent rehabilitation video posted on Instagram, which had sparked speculation about the fighter's recovery progress. "I have no idea," White said when asked about the post. "We had him on FaceTime tonight, ringside, but you know, Conor McGregor's out for a year."

With one fight remaining on his deal with the UFC, McGregor has begun his rehabilitation process in earnest. The injury represents a significant setback for the Irishman, who had been away from competition for an extended period before returning to face Holloway. White's confirmation of the year-long recovery timeline aligns with McGregor's own projections, suggesting the fighter will not return to the Octagon until 2027 at the earliest, when he will have the opportunity to conclude his current contract on his terms.