UFC looking at early fall for Conor McGregor return reveals Dana White – but only if leg break recovery ‘goes right’

CONOR MCGREGOR will likely return to the octagon in early fall Dana White has told SunSport - provided the Irishman's recovery from his horrific broken leg goes to plan.

The UFC's poster boy is in the final stages of recovering from the freak injury he suffered in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier last July.

McGregor, 33, recently set his sights on a summer comeback fight, although UFC president White believes the fall is a more realistic timeline for his return.

The veteran promoter told SunSport on Tuesday night: "We're looking at early fall, if everything goes right."

The fall timeline for McGregor's return is contingent on the biggest star in MMA history being cleared to resume full-pelt training.

White added: "If his leg heals right and he gets the clearance to really start training, then possibly early fall."

Former two-division champion McGregor revealed last month that doctors pushed back his planned return to boxing training.

But the Irishman has since hinted that everything is back on track following a recent check-up with the doctor.

Just a few days after he shared a video of himself hitting a heavy power bag, the pride of Dublin wrote: "Great day at the doctors today, team!

"Everything back [is] on schedule! Thank you all for the love and support, stay ready."

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Fan favourite McGregor is eager to compete again this year but is refusing to rush himself back to action until he's fully healed.

He said: "I've got to take it day by day. April they said I'd be back sparring, back twisting and turning.

"I was told I could box a couple of months back and then all of sudden, I couldn't box.

"So I'm just taking it day by day, there's no rush. I'm in a great place mentally.

"Physically, I feel strong, I feel energetic. I'm always eager to get in and fight, so [I'll] just take it day by day and it'll happen.

"It will happen when the Lord wants it to happen."

McGregor ventured to the octagon twice last year, locking horns with former interim lightweight champion Poirier on both occasions.

Mystic Mac suffered consecutive defeats to The Diamond, losing their Fight Island rematch via second-round TKO and their Las Vegas shootout via first-round doctor stoppage.