White 'wouldn't be surprised' if McGregor returns in 2021

UFC president Dana White doubts Conor McGregor is retired for good.

White said Wednesday that he expects the former two-division champion will express interest in returning to the Octagon in 2021.

"As of right now, he's retired," White told "The Herd with Colin Cowherd." "I wouldn't be surprised if he came out and wanted to fight somebody next year after all these different fights play out."

McGregor announced in June that he's retiring from mixed martial arts, citing a lack of excitement in the sport. Many fans were skeptical, however, as this was the Irishman's third retirement announcement in the past four years.

Before McGregor's supposed retirement, White said he would like to see the 31-year-old fight the winner of the lightweight title-unification bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje, which is expected to happen later this year.

"The Notorious," who returned from a 15-month layoff to finish Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds at UFC 246 in January, wanted to face Gaethje for the interim title, but the promotion apparently shut down the superstar's request.