Dana White expects Conor McGregor to ‘be back in a year’

Dana White isn’t planning on seeing Conor McGregor in action again until 2022.

The news comes as little surprise given the injury that McGregor suffered this past Saturday in his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Near the end of the first round, McGregor’s leg buckled and the bout was waved off shortly after, giving Poirier a TKO victory via doctor stoppage. It was later revealed that McGregor suffered a broken tibia.

McGregor underwent surgery on Sunday and vowed to “build back,” but did not provide a timetable for a return to competition. Now, UFC President Dana White is telling TMZ that he doesn’t expect McGregor to be back in the octagon until sometime next year.

“He’ll be back in a year,” White said.

According to White, McGregor will stay in the United States as he rehabs his injury and possibly return to his native Ireland at a later date.

“I think they just released him right now from the hospital about 10-15 minutes ago,” White said. “He’ll be in L.A. for a little while and I don’t know if he’s gonna fly home or what he’s gonna do from there.”

McGregor was listed on the official medical suspensions for UFC 264. He requires clearance from an orthopedic doctor, otherwise he will be unable to compete until at least Jan. 7.