Conor McGregor has set a timeline for his UFC comeback fight.
It’s been over 1,500 days since the Irish UFC superstar last fought in the Octagon. McGregor broke his leg in his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, vowing to return ever since.
McGregor was a week away from meeting Michael Chandler at UFC 303 last year but an injury got in the way of that, keeping ‘The Notorious’ out of competition.
Fast forward to now, the 37-year-old says he’s locked in on fighting at the UFC’s White House event next June, confirming preparations will be made soon.
Conor McGregor says UFC White House is ‘six month operation’
On Wednesday, McGregor shed light on his return plans for The White House.
“Eight months and change out to the White House event,” McGregor told Bloody Elbow and other reporters on a BKFC 82 media roundtable (h/t: MMA Junkie).
“It’s a six month operation…
“You know, I consider it a six month operation to get ready for this belt. And that’s my focus right now,” McGregor continued.
“I’m just eager to, you know, climb the steps into being ready for my return.
“There’s a lot at stake, and I’m very excited at the opportunity…
“I was right there with my last one,” McGregor said of his past booking against Michael Chandler.
“I was in incredible condition, incredibly well prepared, and just a slight lapse in concentration left with injury. I wish to correct that and show what I’m about. And that’s it.
“I’m eager to get back, and we’ll see what the future holds after that,” said McGregor.
Conor McGregor ‘eager’ to test himself in BKFC
While he may be under UFC contract for now, McGregor is ecstatic about the idea of taking off the 4oz gloves and fighting bare knuckle.
Bloody Elbow asked McGregor if he remembers his first-ever bare knuckle fight.
“Man, there’s teeth marks etched into my knuckles,” McGregor answered.
“All over my knuckles… I’m a fighting man.
“Not just inside the Octagon but outside. I’m a fighter true and true. It is who I am, and I am very excited and eager to compete in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.
“One, test myself. Gain respect and honor that Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship brings these fighters.
“And two, boost the stock.
“Three, double the checks. Double checks for the double champ. My favorite,” McGregor added.
McGregor, a BKFC part-owner, will be among those in attendance for BKFC 82: Perry vs. Stephens in Newark, New Jersey this Saturday.