Conor McGregor sets out sixth-month plan ahead of UFC comeback

Conor McGregor has revealed he requires six months to fully prepare for his UFC return.

The 37-year-old has not fought since his defeat to long-standing adversary Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. McGregor has been hinting at a comeback over recent months, and appears entirely concentrated on a remarkable return after recently announcing his withdrawal from the Irish presidential race.

Following UFC chief Dana White's confirmation that the White House card will occur next June, the 'Notorious' was swift to show his enthusiasm for featuring on the said event. During his absence from the Octagon, the Irishman acquired part-ownership of BKFC.

Whilst he aspires to eventually compete under the BKFC umbrella, the former two-weight UFC champion is keen to wear the MMA gloves once more. Before contemplating fighting without gloves, the Irishman remains committed to participating in his first UFC contest in almost five years.

"I have eight months and change out to the White House event. It's a six-month operation," McGregor stated ahead of BKFC 82. "I consider it a six-month operation to get ready for this bout. That's my focus right now. 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," reports All Out Fighting.

The UFC legend stated: "I was right there with my last one. I was in incredible condition. Incredibly well-prepared. Just a slight lapse in concentration led to an injury. I wish to correct that and show what I'm about. I'm eager to get back, and we'll see what the future holds after that."

READ MORE: Conor McGregor to earn same purse as Floyd Mayweather fight for UFC return

READ MORE: Eddie Hearn fires back at Dana White and takes aim at UFC chief

McGregor confessed that he will be ignoring all calls during his intense training camp as he aims to be at his best on fight night. "There will be a period of isolation for sure where the phone will not be answered," McGregor said.

"All my people involved with me understand it is coming. As I said, it's a six-month operation. I'm under no illusion of what lies ahead in my preparation efforts. The phone will be switched off, and the work will be executed."

On Wednesday evening, the Irishman confirmed that his UFC return is a done deal. "It's a done deal, signed, delivered," McGregor told Sean Hannity. "End of negotiations. McGregor will compete in the White House for America's 250th birthday."

The 37-year-old was then asked whether his boss, White, had approved the return. "Me and Dana are in constant communications," he replied. "We've done incredible business together. I'm the highest generating fighter of all time in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. They've just signed a breathtaking deal with Paramount where we're going to cable tv. $7.7 billion that deal! I'm ready to rock baby, bring in the big dog, the Mac!".

When is the next UFC event?

The showdown between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira is set for Saturday, 4 October in Las Vegas. The early prelims are slated to kick off at about 11pm UK time (3pm PT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET), with the prelims following at 1am UK time on Sunday (5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET on Saturday).

The main card will commence at approximately 3am UK time on Sunday (7pm PT / 9pm CT / 10pm ET on Saturday). The headline event featuring Ankalaev and Pereira is expected to take place around 5am UK time on Sunday. The bout should not start later than this but could be moved forward if the prelim fights wrap up earlier than anticipated. UK fans can catch all the action on TNT Sports.