TLDR
- Conor McGregor is training for a UFC comeback at the White House card on June 14, 2026
- Coach John Kavanagh confirms McGregor is working out early mornings and has requested a training program
- McGregor has not fought since July 2021 when he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier
- His anti-doping ban ends in March 2026 after three whereabouts failures
- Michael Chandler remains the likely opponent after their 2024 fight was cancelled
Conor McGregor is actively training for a return to the UFC. His coach John Kavanagh confirmed the fighter is preparing for the White House card scheduled for June 14, 2026.
McGregor asked Kavanagh to create a training program leading up to the June event. The coach told Ariel Helwani they are “100% in” on the comeback plan.
The Irish fighter has been showing up to the gym most mornings for early training sessions. Kavanagh said McGregor is “having fun with it” and has requested a team of suitable training partners.
McGregor has not competed since July 2021. He suffered a broken leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
A planned return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024 was cancelled. McGregor broke his toe during training camp just two weeks before the fight.
Anti-Doping Status
McGregor is currently serving an 18-month anti-doping suspension. He received the ban in October 2024 for three whereabouts failures.
The suspension was backdated to September 2024. This means McGregor will be eligible to fight again in March 2026.
Kavanagh referenced the cancelled Chandler fight when discussing the comeback. He said they were “so freaking close until he clipped Tristan on the elbow.”
The coach believes Chandler makes sense as an opponent. He described it as a “fun match-up” given their history from coaching The Ultimate Fighter together.
Recent Record and Personal Matters
McGregor’s recent fighting record shows he has lost three of his last four bouts. His only victory during this stretch came in 2019 against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.
In November 2024, McGregor was ordered to pay €206,000 in damages in a civil sexual assault case. He appealed the decision in a Dublin court.
In July 2025, three senior judges at the Court of Appeal rejected his appeal on all grounds. McGregor has since spoken publicly about finding faith and going on a “spiritual journey.”
Kavanagh discussed this change with Helwani. He said McGregor has had “a bit of a spiritual awakening” and there is “a different vibe with him at this stage.”
The family now often accompanies McGregor to gym sessions. Kavanagh described it as “a family day out” but said it will be interesting to see how the training progresses.
Islam Makhachev has expressed doubt about the comeback. The current UFC lightweight champion said he doesn’t believe McGregor will fight again.
