Conor McGregor’s name still sends ripples through the combat sports world. Despite not having fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021, ‘The Notorious’s return remains one of the most talked about topics in the MMA sphere. The intrigue surrounding McGregor isn’t limited to his future in the UFC. From rumored exhibition boxing bouts with Logan Paul to callouts by KSI, the Irishman’s name continues to dominate headlines.

But could there be hope on the horizon for the Irishman’s fan? Despite injuries, personal challenges, and a canceled showdown with Michael Chandler, McGregor seems intent on keeping his fighting spirit alive. And according to UFC boss Dana White, 2025 might end up being the year the former ‘champ-champ’ returns to the Octagon!

Dana White’s latest update on Conor McGregor’s UFC return backed up by cryptic post by the Irishman

When UFC CEO Dana White joined the ‘Pardon My Take podcast’, fans hoped for clarity on McGregor’s long-awaited comeback. The hosts didn’t waste any time, diving straight into the burning question, “Hey, is Conor McGregor ever going to fight again for you?”

White’s response was short but promising. “Eventually,” he stated, hinting at a return without committing to specifics. But the questions didn’t stop there. Speculation about exhibition bouts was also quickly shot down by the UFC head honcho.

When asked if McGregor would face Logan Paul or KSI in India, White laughed off the notion. “No, no,” he clarified, before adding a nugget of hope, “Hopefully, Conor McGregor returns in the fall of this year.”

While White’s update lacked concrete details, it was enough to fuel anticipation. Adding to the speculation was McGregor’s latest Instagram update. With pictures of the Irishman hard at work in his MMA training, the caption was a simple yet loaded statement: “Positional at SBG.”

For those unfamiliar, SBG (Straight Blast Gym) in Dublin is Conor McGregor’s long-time training ground under coach John Kavanagh. The images suggested he’s back to focusing on the fundamentals of mixed martial arts, honing his craft as he prepares for whatever lies ahead. And in another intriguing move, McGregor stated via his IG stories that he was preparing a ‘big feed’ for Dana White at The Black Forge Inn.

Even more intriguing is the fact that despite the rumors of an exhibition boxing match, ‘The Notorious’ is spending time training in MMA. Could this mean that Dana White’s cryptic hint might be more than just a way to drum up interest? It remains to be seen. Because according to KSI’s manager, there’s another side of the story that raises more questions!

KSI’s camp believes that the boxing match against McGregor is a “stadium fight”  

Could Conor McGregor’s next fight really be in a boxing ring against YouTube sensation-turned-boxer KSI? According to Mams Taylor, KSI’s manager and a mastermind behind Misfits Boxing, the idea is more than just idle chatter.

“There are talks taking place, and talks are leading to more talks,” Taylor recently revealed to talkSPORT. If true, this development adds a new layer of intrigue to McGregor’s potential comeback. While the Irishman’s recent Instagram post suggests an MMA focus, Taylor’s statements point to the possibility of a high-stakes crossover boxing match instead.

The Misfits boxing mastermind confessed, “I know [McGregor] is interested for a fact. I think no fight makes more sense than this fight for Conor.” But it’s not all smooth sailing. Taylor acknowledged, “There are some complications and hurdles to overcome. But we are definitely going for it, and I also think it’s a stadium fight.”

While he didn’t clarify what the “hurdles” or “complications are, he did indicate that the KSI vs. McGregor bout has the potential to set new benchmarks and join the list of “the top five biggest-selling pay-per-views of all time.”

Dana White’s cautious optimism suggests that ‘The Notorious’s return to the UFC could happen sooner rather than later, while KSI’s camp hints at the allure of a crossover spectacle. Either way, one thing is clear: Conor McGregor remains a master at keeping the world on edge. For now, fans can only wait—and speculate. What do you think? Is McGregor’s MMA comeback a guarantee, or is a boxing blockbuster too tempting to pass up? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!