Dana White says he "wouldn't be surprised" if Conor McGregor made a sensational UFC comeback following his retirement.
McGregor, 31, suddenly called time on his MMA career last month - his third retirement in four years.
But the UFC president believes 'The Notorious' could come out of retirement and return to the famed Octagon next year.
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"As of right now, he's retired," he said. "I wouldn't be surprised if he came out and wanted to fight somebody next year after all these different fights play out."
The UFC boss added: "There's no doubt that Conor McGregor's one of the best in the world.
"What's going on with Conor McGregor is what goes on with all professional fighters when they become extremely wealthy and Conor McGregor is rich.
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"He gets to pick and choose what he wants to do now and he's at that point in his career where he's got a few fights left."
McGregor only returned to the UFC in January after a 15-month hiatus. He made a triumphant comeback after thrashing Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.
He laid out his "season" which included a summer fight then another before the year's end, though the global pandemic disrupted his plans.
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He then retired after growing frustrated with the promotion.
A fight between McGregor and Justin Gaethje had been mooted until 'The Highlight' stepped in on short notice at UFC 249. He stopped Tony Ferguson to claim the UFC interim lightweight champion.
He's now set to face UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov in September.
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Topics:ย Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor Mcgregor, Justin Gaethje, UFC News, Fight News, UFC, Dana White
