TLDR
- Conor McGregor confirmed his UFC return after a five-year absence, posting on social media that he’s back to ‘save fighting again’
- The 37-year-old has not fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021
- Sources suggest McGregor could return during International Fight Week in Las Vegas this July
- Potential opponents include Jorge Masvidal, Michael Chandler, Ian Garry, and Max Holloway, though no matchup has been confirmed
- McGregor’s absence included recovery from injuries and a civil lawsuit in Ireland that many thought would end his fighting career
Sources: Bloody Elbow | TMZ | Sportbible
Conor McGregor has confirmed his return to the UFC after a five-year absence from the octagon. The 37-year-old Irish fighter announced the news on social media Tuesday night, telling his followers “the rumours are true.”
“Mr. Confidence returns to save fighting again!” McGregor wrote in an Instagram post that included a mirror selfie. The message comes after weeks of speculation about a possible comeback.
McGregor has not fought since July 2021, when he broke his leg during a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. That injury required surgery and extensive recovery time, keeping him out of the cage for what has now been nearly five years.
The former two-division UFC champion was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler in June 2024. However, that bout fell through when McGregor withdrew due to a toe injury.
Possible July Return Date
Sources suggest McGregor could make his comeback during International Fight Week in July. The UFC typically holds a major pay-per-view event during this annual celebration, which takes place in Las Vegas.
Did Dana White accidentally leak a fight between Conor McGregor and Ian Machado Garry? The UFC CEO seemingly hints at what is coming next 🧐
Full details here: https://t.co/Zmn0DosEZT pic.twitter.com/6gl2cuW08t
— Sportskeeda MMA (@sportskeedaMMA) March 22, 2026
Michael Chandler remains a potential opponent, though he is scheduled to fight Mauricio Ruffy in June. This timing could complicate plans for a McGregor-Chandler bout in July.
Jorge Masvidal recently told TMZ Sports he wants to fight McGregor. The former BMF champion last competed in March 2022 and has been hinting at a UFC return this summer.
Ian Garry, a fellow Irish fighter, has also been linked to McGregor. UFC president Dana White appeared to accidentally reference a potential McGregor-Garry fight during a recent interview.
Other names mentioned include Max Holloway, who recently called for a fight with McGregor “at any weight.” Holloway is a former BMF champion who lost that title to Charles Oliveira.
Legal Issues and Time Away
McGregor’s time away from fighting has been marked by controversy. In recent months, he was involved in a civil lawsuit in Ireland.
A Dublin jury found him liable for damages to Nikita Hand, who accused him of assaulting her in a hotel in 2018. McGregor denied the allegations but was ordered to pay damages.
The legal case led many to believe McGregor might never return to professional fighting. His social media announcement appears to put those doubts to rest.
In his Instagram post, McGregor used colorful language to describe his anticipated return. “BIG MONEY MAC DADDY MCGREGOR I EXPECT FAWNING OF THE HIGHEST FOR LIFE,” he wrote.
He also referenced “Paramount Plus” in his message, saying “see you guys soon I’m so excited!” This could indicate broadcast or promotional plans for his comeback fight.
McGregor held titles in two weight classes during his UFC career. He became the first fighter in UFC history to hold championships in two divisions at the same time.
His last victory came in January 2020, when he defeated Donald Cerrone by knockout in 40 seconds. Since then, he has lost twice to Dustin Poirier, including the fight that resulted in his broken leg.
The UFC has not released an official statement about McGregor’s return or confirmed any fight details. Fans are waiting for the promotion to announce an opponent and official date for the comeback bout.
