Conor McGregor plots his UFC return

The UFC's biggest star, Conor McGregor, laid out his plans to return to the octagon during a media conference call on Wednesday. The Irishman has a six-month strategy to prepare for next year's event at the White House. 

"I have eight months and change out to the White House event. It's a six-month operation. I consider it a six-month operation to get ready for this bout, and that's my focus right now," McGregor said. "I'm just eager to climb the steps into being ready for my return. There's a lot at stake, and I'm very excited at the opportunity."

McGregor last fought at UFC 264 in July 2021, losing to Dustin Poirier after suffering a broken leg in the final seconds of the opening round. He's teased an octagon return for years but it hasn't came to fruition. 

He was expected to return at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler in June 2024 but pulled out of the fight citing a toe injury.  

"I was right there with my last one. I was in incredible condition, incredibly well prepared and just a slight lapse in concentration led to an injury," McGregor said about pulling out of UFC 303. "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."

With such an extended layoff, McGregor expects the road back to being in fight shape to be a long one. It's not going to be a typical fight camp.  

"There will be a period of isolation, for sure, where the phone will not be answered. All the people involved with me understand it's coming, and as I said, it's a six-month operation. I'm under no illusion what lies ahead of me in my preparation efforts. The phone will be switched off and the work will be executed."