Dana White is adamant that Conor McGregor will make a much-anticipated return to UFC in 2025 after offering a fresh update on the Irishman.

McGregor, 36, was due to return to the Octagon earlier this year against Michael Chandler. That fight was announced in April, with it set to take place at UFC 303 on June 29.

But that bout was cancelled after the Irish icon broke his toe and withdrew from the event. After the fight was not rescheduled, any return for McGregor was put in serious doubt.

But UFC president White is sure he will be seen again and believes a fight will take place next year. Asked if McGregor will fight again, he replied: “Yes. I wasn’t 100 per cent in 2024, but I am in 2025. I just am. I know more than you guys know. I’m 100 per cent confident McGregor will fight next year.”

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White’s latest update comes after he irritated McGregor with his suggestion that he will not be seen in the octagon in 2024. In response to White’s comments, the fighter tweeted: “Ah Dana.

“December is the date! Bring the calendar year home with a winning event! Come on now, what’s this? I am off to altitude next month to prepare.”

“December," he added. "Tell Dana and UFC we want December! We deserve December.”

While White has suggested that McGregor could return, his former opponent Chandler has also given his verdict. He is also sure that McGregor will compete once again, but stopped short of putting a date on his return.

When do you think Conor McGregor will return? Share your predictions in the comments below

“I do think [he returns],” Chandler said. “Maybe I’ve just been so close to it and so focused on it that you just look at his history, Conor McGregor is a nothing, nobody without the sport of mixed martial arts. Without the UFC platform. Without the legacy that he has created.

“I believe he’s romantic about it. I believe that he loves the sport. I believe that his spirit loves the sport but sometimes his body and his brain want other things.

“I’ve never walked a mile in that man’s shoes, neither have you, so who are we to critique him? But I do believe he comes back and when he does, I’ll be waiting. I just might have the title by then.”

While he will not take on McGregor, Chandler does have a fight to prepare for. He will take on Charles Oliveira as the co-main event at UFC 309 in November.

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