Conor McGregor ‘nowhere close’ to a return, says UFC president Dana White

Speculation over a summer fight between McGregor and Donald Cerrone was subdued by White

Conor McGregor is “nowhere close” to a July return, according to UFC president Dana White.

McGregor was in line to return against Donald Cerrone at UFC 239 in the summer, in the Irishman’s first fight since being defeated by Khabib Nurmagomedov last November.

Cerrone called out McGregor after defeating Alex Hernandez at the beginning of the year, to which McGregor replied: “For a fight like that Donald, I’ll fight you. Congratulations.”

Speaking at a press conference ahead of UFC 236, White admitted there is interest between both parties, but a potential meeting is some way off.

“These two have been talking about this and I said if they want to fight, I would do it,” White said.

“But we’re nowhere close to a fight.

“We’re actually looking at other opponents for ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone now.”

Cerrone may however instead be in line to face Al Iaquinta, with widespread suspicion that McGregor is in fact only interested in a rematch with Nurmagomedov.

The Russian is still serving a suspension after instigating the infamous post-fight brawl after submitting McGregor in the fourth round in Las Vegas.

McGregor has not fought since being submitted by Nurmagomedov (Getty)

Speaking to ESPN, White added: ”The fight just didn’t happen,” he said. “What Conor really wants is to fight Khabib [again]. That’s the fight Conor really wants. Let him figure out what’s next.

“But in the meanwhile, ‘Cowboy’ was in my office yesterday. You know him; he wants to fight. He’s ready to fight again, he wants to fight again.

“So we’re looking at another opponent for him. We’re looking at maybe him and ‘Ragin’ Al [Iaquinta].”