Dana White says the UFC and Conor McGregor have begun talks over a potential return.

McGregor announced his retirement earlier this year after growing disillusioned with the sport in the wake of the coronavirus, and since then, White has remained coy on the Irishman’s future in MMA. Now, however, it seems the two sides are discussing a comeback that would see McGregor compete early next year.

“We’re actually working on some fun stuff for Conor at the beginning of next year,” White said, speakign on SportsCenter earlier today. “He should be back next year. I’m not saying he’s coming back to fight guaranteed, but we’re talking right now about some stuff.”

Speaking to ESPN, McGregor’s manager Audie Attar confirmed there had been discussions with the promotion.

“We had some very interesting talks with the UFC recently,” Attar said. “We are excited about the future and working on some fun things. Exciting things to come in the near future.”

McGregor was last seen with an emphatic victory over Donald Cerrone in January this year, winning in just 40 seconds of the first round.