“I don’t think Conor’s gonna fight again, to be honest. Everybody forgets he told us he’s not gonna fight. He told us he was coming in, getting money, and getting out.” These were the exact words of UFC veteran Matt Brown regarding the UFC megastar Conor McGregor while speaking to EssentiallySports last year. With McGregor at the helm, the organization generated billions in revenue, fueled by his ability to sell out arenas and deliver record-breaking pay-per-view numbers.

However, the Irishman has been on hiatus for nearly four years, leaving fans eagerly waiting for his return to the Octagon. Time and again, ‘The Notorious’ has sparked hope among supporters and media alike. Yet, when it comes to an official announcement, everything seems to stall. Many wonder whether he will ever make his way back to the cage. As the old saying goes, “It is the hungry ones who taste success.” For the Irishman, it seems he has already reached the summit and may no longer have the appetite to continue his pursuit.

Former 155lbs kingpin Charles Oliveira’s manager, Diego Lima, recently echoed this sentiment, in an interview with MMA Fighting: “I honestly don’t believe he [Conor] will fight again. When he achieved everything he could and became the highest-paid athlete in the world—surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi, Floyd Mayweather, and every NFL and NBA player—he reached a point no one imagined an MMA fighter could ever attain. You don’t train with the same hunger or have the same focus after that. He’s reached something many considered unreachable…I don’t believe he fights again.”

In 2017, the Irishman’s wealth soared to unprecedented levels following his blockbuster boxing match against undefeated legend Floyd Mayweather. Despite suffering a 10th-round loss at the T-Mobile Arena in Nevada, McGregor walked away with a staggering $130 million payday. This monumental earning helped establish his $200 million empire and solidified his place as a global figure, transcending the world of MMA.

Considering all these factors, Diego Lima delivered the final blow to the debate, offering his verdict: “In my opinion, he doesn’t fight anymore.” However, UFC CEO Dana White holds a contrasting view. Let’s find out!

What is Dana White’s stance on Conor McGregor’s return?

Last year, Conor McGregor was poised to end his extended hiatus from combat sports when the UFC scheduled a fight between him and Michael Chandler at UFC 303. However, a “pinky toe” injury disrupted the plans, derailing the long-awaited return. Despite the setback, Dana White provided a timeline for fans, stating, “Let me tell you this, I was the one this year saying I don’t think he’s going to fight this year, amid all the talk and everything else. Conor McGregor will fight next year, early 2025.”

Yet, by the end of November 2024, the Irishman found himself surrounded by a barrage of legal woes and personal setbacks. His civil lawsuit ruling prompted several of his associates and partners to distance themselves from him. However, Dana White chose to remain quiet to avoid sparking further public backlash.

In December 2024, rumors began circulating about McGregor’s return to the ring, this time against YouTuber-turned-WWE star Logan Paul, with the event reportedly set to take place in India in mid-2025. However, earlier this month, White dismissed the idea of a McGregor vs. Logan Paul boxing match, saying, “No, no, no.”

Instead, White hinted that the Irishman would make his return to the Octagon, stating, “Hopefully, Conor McGregor returns in the fall of this year.” This aligns with ‘The Notorious’s’ recent cryptic Instagram post, which read “UFC NYC, November,” suggesting a potential appearance at UFC’s annual Madison Square Garden event, typically scheduled for November.

What do you think about Diego Lima’s comments? Do you believe the Irishman will make a comeback? If so, would you prefer to see him back in the Octagon or the boxing ring? Share your thoughts below.