Conor McGregor is sending a clear message about his timeline, posting training photos over the weekend alongside a declaration that his UFC return is imminent.
The former two-division champion shared images from recent training sessions on Instagram, delivering a pointed message to anyone doubting his readiness after nearly five years away from competition.
“Legs still sharper than a guillotine,” McGregor wrote. “Training with the young wolves, sharpening the blade. The return is coming whether they like it or not.”
McGregor has not competed since suffering a gruesome leg fracture in his third fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, a result that also marked his second consecutive loss to the Louisiana lightweight. The injury required surgery and an extended rehabilitation process that kept his return date perpetually uncertain.
A scheduled comeback against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in July 2024 fell apart when McGregor withdrew due to a toe injury, extending what has become the longest absence of his career. The 37-year-old has remained in the public eye through business ventures and social media during the layoff, but competitive action has remained elusive.
Speculation about his return has been building steadily since Dana White said at UFC Winnipeg that negotiations for a McGregor comeback are “looking good,” with UFC 329 on July 11 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas the most frequently cited destination. McGregor was passed over for a spot at the UFC White House event on June 14, which will be headlined by Ilia Topuria defending the lightweight championship against Justin Gaethje.
Max Holloway remains the frontrunner as McGregor’s most likely opponent for UFC 329, though nothing has been officially confirmed by either side or the UFC.