Former featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor will not make his long-awaited return to the Octagon this year, UFC President Dana White said.
McGregor has not fought since losing to Dustin Poirier in 2021, a bout in which he also suffered a broken leg. The 36-year-old withdrew from his scheduled UFC 303 welterweight bout against Michael Chandler in June due to a broken toe.
"We didn't meet up but we talked, and yeah, (McGregor) wants to fight. So we'll figure it out. (But) not this year. He won't fight this year," White told reporters on Tuesday.
Irishman McGregor responded in a post on X saying he wanted to fight at the end of the year.
"December is the date! Bring the calendar year home with a winning event!" McGregor wrote. "I am off to altitude next month to prepare. Tell Dana and UFC we want December! We deserve December!"

Fils claims first ATP Masters title, Gauff clinches second Cincinnati crown
Barcelona launch LaLiga title defence with five-star Elche demolition
Torres double rescues point for PSG at Rennes in Ligue 1 opener
F1 confirms Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will close 2026 season
Norris wins Dutch GP as Antonelli stretches his F1 lead
