Conor McGregor (image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

As the MMA world continues to discuss and speculate about if and when Conor McGregor will return to the UFC, accomplished boxing promoter, Eddie Hearn, has shared his thoughts on the situation.

For months now, there’s been no shortage of talk about when fans will see McGregor compete in the Octagon again. The controversial star was expected to fight Michael Chandler last year, following their coaching roles on “The Ultimate Fighter”, but that never happened.

A few weeks ago, UFC President Dana White said he’s hoping to book McGregor’s return for this fall. But, White has also, repeatedly cited McGregor’s wealth, as to why the former champ doesn’t need to fight. Since McGregor has repeatedly called on the UFC to book his next fight, and has publicly claimed he was set to fight more than once now, some have questioned whether contract negotiations are behind the delay.

More recently, Hearn appeared on “The MMA Hour.” While discussing McGregor’s situation, the boxing promoter relayed he believes the Irish fighter wants to compete (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“I talk to Conor quite a bit and [I believe he wants to fight],” Hearn said. “I still think he’s going to want the deal to be right. There comes a point where — sometimes you’ll do a show where you have to give them what they want, because it’s in the best interest of the sport and the business. Maybe I could make more money on a small show than I do promoting Canelo Alvarez, but what does it mean to my business? What does it mean to DAZN? What does it mean to my reputation with fighters and my opportunity to sign young Mexican fighters coming through?

“In many instances, you take a bath to deliver. If it was me — and it’s not me, and Dana certainly doesn’t need my advice — but I’m bringing McGregor back, whatever it costs. He injects an enthusiasm and a vibrancy into the UFC that no one else can. There is no one in the sport who can make it happen for the UFC and MMA like Conor McGregor. When he comes back, the press conferences, the build up, the value of the business, the ratings, the pay-per-view numbers [all go up].”

McGregor (22-6), who turns 36 in July, hasn’t fought since July, 2021, when he broke his leg in a rubber match with Dustin Poirier.