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Tag: Conor McGregor

  • Dana White Provides Most Definitive Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Update Yet

    Dana White Provides Most Definitive Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Update Yet

    Dana White appears more optimistic than ever about Conor McGregor finally making his long-awaited UFC return later this year.

    After years of uncertainty surrounding the former UFC two-division champion’s comeback timeline, White delivered one of his strongest public statements yet during a recent appearance on The Jim Rome Show, insisting that the Irish superstar is on track to fight this summer.

    “Conor will fight this summer,” White said definitively.

    The statement marks a significant shift in tone compared to previous updates from the UFC boss, who had often stopped short of offering firm timelines regarding McGregor’s future. This time, White repeatedly emphasized his confidence that the Irishman is actively preparing for a return.

    “We’re in a great place with Conor,” White said. “I’m extremely confident that Conor will fight this year. I’m extremely confident that we’ll get him dialed in and ready to roll. He’s training. There’s footage out there of him training right now.”

    UFC 329 Increasingly Linked To Conor McGregor Return

    While White did not officially announce an opponent or event, speculation continues to intensify around a possible showdown between McGregor and Max Holloway at UFC 329 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas on July 11.

    “Blessed” recently acknowledged the rumors himself, admitting he has been preparing for the possibility of facing “The Notorious”, though he also noted that no contract had been finalized.

    McGregor has not fought since suffering a broken leg in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier back in 2021. Since then, repeated comeback discussions have failed to materialize into an actual booking.

    White admitted he believed a return would happen last year before plans ultimately fell apart.

    “I thought it would happen last year. It didn’t,” White said. “I’m extremely confident it will happen this summer.

    “He seems motivated, he’s training. There are a lot of other great things going on behind the scenes that make me very confident he’ll fight this summer.”

  • Khamzat Chimaev Fires Back at Conor McGregor’s Middleweight Title Claim

    Khamzat Chimaev Fires Back at Conor McGregor’s Middleweight Title Claim

    Khamzat Chimaev had a quick and pointed response when asked at UFC 328 media day about Conor McGregor’s since-deleted post claiming the middleweight championship being contested on Saturday was his title.

    McGregor had posted on X that Chimaev and Strickland were competing with “my 185lb title on the line,” despite never having competed at middleweight and being absent from the Octagon since July 2021. Chimaev was shown the comment and offered an assessment that covered both McGregor’s claim and his current lifestyle.

    “His belt? He lost his belt 10 years ago, so I don’t know, this guy comes off a little bit drunk or is it Proper something he’s drinking all the time? Come back to normal and work and let’s fight. I don’t care, boxing. I told Zuffa Boxing people think I’m just a wrestler, I don’t need to use my just boxing, I’m an MMA fighter. If I go to the boxing, I’m going to show my boxing, too.”

    McGregor was stripped of his lightweight title in 2018 due to inactivity following his professional boxing match against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in August 2017. He awaits an official booking for his return, with a lightweight matchup against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 the most heavily discussed option.

    Chimaev also addressed the possibility of his own future weight class moves when asked about challenging himself at higher divisions. He described a training history that has always included heavyweights and said he has never found the size step to be an issue.

    “Of course, for sure. I’ve always been training with heavyweight guys. I’ve trained most of my time with Alexander Gustafsson, Jimi Manuwa, Gokhan Saki from the beginning of my career and I was fighting 170. I trained with them, sparred with them, never been a problem with weight. I like to eat, have fun in the cage.”

    He also offered an unprompted endorsement of his friend Arman Tsarukyan as someone capable of beating Strickland, should the lightweight contender ever move up to middleweight.

    “Yeah, of course, he can beat him now.”

    UFC 328 takes place Saturday, May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Max Holloway Finally Breaks Silence On Potential Conor McGregor Rematch Rumors For UFC 329

    Max Holloway Finally Breaks Silence On Potential Conor McGregor Rematch Rumors For UFC 329

    Max Holloway has addressed growing speculation surrounding a potential showdown with Conor McGregor, confirming he is actively preparing for the former two-division UFC champion even as no official agreement is in place.

    Speaking during an interview with Paramount+, “Blessed” reacted to rumors linking him to McGregor for a possible UFC 329 main event on July 11 in Las Vegas. The bout would mark McGregor’s long-awaited return after nearly five years away from competition.

    The two fighters share a history dating back to 2013, when “The Notorious” defeated a young Holloway early in his UFC run. More than a decade later, the former BMF titleholder has made it clear that avenging that loss is high on his list.

    “I mean, we have history,” Holloway said. “We fought a very long time ago. I told you guys, if somebody’s got one over me, I want to get him back. I’d love to get him back.”

    Holloway Training For McGregor Despite No Deal In Place

    Although the UFC has yet to announce a main event for International Fight Week, Holloway confirmed he is already preparing as if the fight will happen.

    “With him having all this talk of coming back and everybody talking about how serious he actually is. It looks like he’s training and taking it and really wanting to come back to fight. It’s exciting,” Holloway said.

    “He looks hungrier. He looks super hungry. He just did a boxing exhibition not too long ago, so that was pretty cool to see him. I would just like to get one back. It’s a huge fight. It’s a big fight. Anything with Conor McGregor is huge.”

    Holloway is also looking to rebound after a recent loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326, a setback that cost him the BMF title and added urgency to his next move.

    “You’re only as good as your last fight, they say, and we’re going to get everybody forgetting about that last fight as soon as possible,” Holloway said.

    For now, Holloway says nothing has been finalized, but he is closely following the same speculation as everyone else.

    “Maybe, we’ll see what happens. I’m seeing all the talk that you guys see. I really didn’t hear anything yet, but that wouldn’t be a bad time.”

  • Conor McGregor Stirs Middleweight Title Talk With Bold Deleted Post Ahead of UFC 328

    Conor McGregor Stirs Middleweight Title Talk With Bold Deleted Post Ahead of UFC 328

    Conor McGregor sent a brief and eyebrow-raising message about the UFC 328 middleweight title fight before quickly removing it from his timeline, claiming ownership of a belt he has never competed for.

    Previewing the Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland main event in Newark, McGregor posted on X with unusual framing before deleting it.

    “Very excited for the Newark, New Jersey UFC card, with my 185lb UFC title on the line! TUNE IN ON @UFConParamount.”

    The post was removed shortly after it went up, though it had already been captured and circulated widely. McGregor has never competed at middleweight and is best known as a former featherweight and lightweight champion. He is currently preparing to return to the Octagon at welterweight, with a rumored rematch against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas as the most discussed option.

    He has bulked up significantly since his last fight in 2021 and has previously expressed interest in competing as high as 185 pounds, citing the idea that a genuine fighter should not be constrained by the scale.

    UFC 328 takes place May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

  • Arman Tsarukyan Says McGregor vs. Khabib Proves UFC Rewards Chaos Over Competition

    Arman Tsarukyan Says McGregor vs. Khabib Proves UFC Rewards Chaos Over Competition

    Arman Tsarukyan has a theory about what the UFC actually values in 2026, and he believes his own non-stop activity outside the cage is proof the promotion has embraced it.

    Speaking to Patrick Bet-David, Tsarukyan argued that drama and viral moments have become more important to the sport’s growth than the fights themselves. He cited the most significant period in UFC history as evidence.

    “It’s good for the UFC. You think they didn’t like it? They liked it. The sport is getting big because of drama, not because of fighting. Like Conor, Khabib, Diaz — the trash talk, everything.

    Not just fighting, but what’s going on before the fight. The bus thing went viral too. Because of that, that fight was the biggest fight in the UFC. If it wasn’t for the conflict before that, yeah, Conor-Khabib, they talk s— in the press conference, they fight, it’s gone.”

    Tsarukyan last competed in October when he submitted Dan Hooker. His most recent significant win before that came in 2024 when he defeated Charles Oliveira by decision.

    He does not currently have a fight booked but is widely expected to challenge the winner of the Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje lightweight title fight at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14. He has also offered to serve as backup for that matchup.

  • Conor McGregor Teases UFC Return: ‘Whether They Like It or Not’

    Conor McGregor Teases UFC Return: ‘Whether They Like It or Not’

    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.

  • Conor McGregor Appears to Rock Dong Hyun Kim With Body Shot in SBG Ireland Sparring Footage

    Conor McGregor Appears to Rock Dong Hyun Kim With Body Shot in SBG Ireland Sparring Footage

    Conor McGregor appears to have landed a significant body shot on former UFC welterweight contender Dong Hyun Kim during a sparring session at SBG Ireland in Dublin, with footage of the exchange making its way onto social media buried within a series of clips.

    Kim visited SBG Ireland while traveling through Ireland and the UK, training with both McGregor and Paddy Pimblett. At SBG, veteran coach John Kavanagh welcomed Kim to the facility, where McGregor has been making increasingly regular appearances as he prepares for his long-awaited comeback.

    One clip from the session appears to show Kim doubling over after absorbing a McGregor body shot, though it’s difficult to confirm from the footage whether he was genuinely hurt or simply reacting as the round ended. The clip appeared as the tenth in a series of pictures and videos Kim shared on social media.

    McGregor is currently splitting his training between SBG Ireland’s South Dublin headquarters and his personal gym at his County Kildare home. He recently participated in an exhibition boxing bout at the Crumlin Boxing Club’s Good Friday Show, scoring two standing eight-counts across three rounds with one of the club’s veterans.

    He is rumored to return to the UFC at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas during International Fight Week, with Max Holloway currently the frontrunner as his likely opponent. Dana White said at UFC Winnipeg that McGregor’s return negotiations are “looking good,” though no official announcement has been made.

  • Ilia Topuria Refuses to Call Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway Because of One Reason

    Ilia Topuria Refuses to Call Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway Because of One Reason

    Ilia Topuria says the results of both Conor McGregor and Max Holloway in their most recent fights make it genuinely impossible for him to predict a winner in their rumored UFC 329 matchup.

    Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Topuria cited Holloway’s lopsided unanimous-decision loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 as a result that caught him completely off guard, undermining his ability to break down what Holloway brings to the table against McGregor.

    “I thought that Max was going to beat Charles and he lost by complete domination. So I don’t know,” Topuria said.

    He also pointed to McGregor’s surprise submission loss to Nate Diaz at UFC 196 as evidence that the Irishman’s performances are simply too unpredictable to analyze with any confidence.

    “With Conor, you never know. Sometimes he goes in, he makes it look easy. Sometimes he lost to Nate Diaz. When you lose to Nate Diaz, it’s very difficult to make predictions about someone like him.”

    Topuria knocked out Holloway in 2024 during his featherweight title defense before both fighters moved up to lightweight. His inability to call the McGregor and Holloway fight reflects how much the recent Oliveira result shifted his understanding of where Holloway stands.

    McGregor’s return to the Octagon at UFC 329 on July 11 would be his first fight since his broken leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021. Topuria, meanwhile, prepares to defend the undisputed lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at the UFC White House event on June 14.

  • Jose Aldo Says His Relationship With Conor McGregor Has Completely Changed

    Jose Aldo Says His Relationship With Conor McGregor Has Completely Changed

    Jose Aldo and Conor McGregor were once bitter rivals, but the former featherweight champion says their relationship has been completely transformed and the two now exchange messages and share genuine goodwill.

    Speaking to Jackpot City Casino, Aldo explained how things have changed in the years since their 13-second UFC featherweight title fight at UFC 194 in December 2015, a bout that ended Aldo’s historic championship reign and one that Aldo has spoken openly about as a moment where his hatred for McGregor cost him.

    “What is my relationship with Conor like now? It’s very good,” Aldo said. “Not just with Conor, but with all my opponents, I’ve always had respect and a certain fondness for everyone. We exchange messages now and then. Recently I told him I was very happy he accepted Jesus as his saviour. I congratulated him and all that.”

    McGregor has been open in recent months about a significant personal and spiritual transformation, discussing his faith publicly following trauma treatment. Aldo’s acknowledgment of that journey reflects a warmth toward his former rival that would have seemed unthinkable during the intensity of their 2015 lead-up.

    “Brazilian fans feel strongly because of how our fight went and everything that happened. But I have a good relationship with him and I always wish him the best. I hope he continues on the right path and does great things in life,” Aldo continued.

    On the subject of McGregor’s expected return against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on July 11, Aldo offered his view on why the matchup makes sense.

    “If it happened now, I think it would be a great fight for both Conor and Holloway. Both are stand-up fighters, similar in age, it’s a great matchup and a great comeback opportunity for Conor.”

    Aldo himself is expected to fight on the same UFC 329 card after being passed over for a spot on the UFC White House event.

  • Chris Weidman Sends Warning to Conor McGregor Ahead of Potential UFC Return

    Chris Weidman Sends Warning to Conor McGregor Ahead of Potential UFC Return

    Chris Weidman has a unique perspective on what Conor McGregor might face when he finally returns to the UFC, and it comes from deeply personal experience.

    Weidman suffered a broken leg against Uriah Hall in April 2021, just a few months before McGregor shattered his own leg in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 that July. The nature of both injuries gives Weidman credibility that few others have when speaking about what the comeback trail actually looks like after that kind of trauma.

    Speaking on UFC on Paramount’s YouTube channel, Weidman expressed confidence that McGregor will return, pointing to his presence in the drug-testing pool as a practical indicator. “He’s in the drug-testing pool. For you to come off of stuff, get back in that drug-testing pool, you’d better fight. Otherwise, you’re just going to feel worse than you used to feel for no reason. So, I think he fights, for sure.”

    But he also delivered a warning about what McGregor should expect when the moment arrives. “That was in 2021. He’s had enough time to recover, but I will say, your first time coming back — because I went through a very similar injury — it is hard to be the person you were beforehand, for sure.”

    Weidman recalled a specific moment from his own return that illustrated the psychological dimension of recovering from a leg fracture, describing an instinctive reaction that his body simply would not allow him to execute.

    “I remember in training camp, I was throwing kicks like crazy to try to get used to throwing kicks again. And I was fine in training, but when I got into the actual first fight since that leg injury, I was getting kicked, and as soon as I went to throw my kick back, I just couldn’t do it. My body wouldn’t let me do it. It’s just crazy when you go through a traumatic injury like that, how it can affect your head.”

    Ultimately, Weidman framed McGregor’s comeback as a mental challenge as much as a physical one, while expressing hope that the time away has given McGregor what he needs to succeed. “Listen, Conor’s really good. It’s all about his head; where’s his head at? It seems like, from the outside looking in, now he’s more in touch with his faith, and it seems like he’s getting life in order. That’s the type of thing I feel like he needed.”

    UFC CEO Dana White said over the weekend that McGregor’s return is looking good, with UFC 329 on July 11 the most frequently rumored destination for his comeback.

  • Dana White Says Conor McGregor Return Talks Are ‘Looking Good’

    Dana White Says Conor McGregor Return Talks Are ‘Looking Good’

    Conor McGregor’s return to the UFC is moving in a positive direction, with CEO Dana White confirming that negotiations are progressing well toward what could be McGregor’s first fight in five years.

    Speaking at the UFC Winnipeg post-fight press conference, White stopped short of announcing a deal had been finalized but made clear the conversations are heading the right way.

    “It’s looking good,” White said. “Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.”

    McGregor has been teasing a return on social media for some time and has reportedly refocused his attention on training camp preparation. No opponent has been officially named, though Max Holloway remains a popular candidate, with Holloway publicly stating on multiple occasions that he would welcome a rematch with his former opponent.

    Off the competitive side, McGregor has also been putting his affairs in order. He settled a lawsuit with former friend and teammate Artem Lobov over profits from the sale of his Proper No. 12 whiskey brand, and has been making fewer public appearances as he prepares for a return.

    If the fight comes together for UFC 329 on July 11 during International Fight Week, McGregor will be returning off back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier, including the broken leg that ended their trilogy fight in 2021 and kept him out of competition for an extended stretch. A broken toe then prevented a scheduled 2024 comeback against Michael Chandler from materializing.

  • Conor McGregor Settles Multi-Million Proper No. Twelve Dispute With Artem Lobov Ahead Of Potential UFC Return

    Conor McGregor Settles Multi-Million Proper No. Twelve Dispute With Artem Lobov Ahead Of Potential UFC Return

    Conor McGregor has reached a settlement with former teammate and sparring partner Artem Lobov, bringing an end to a long-running multi-million euro legal dispute tied to the creation of the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand.

    The case, which was scheduled to begin trial at the High Court in Dublin, was resolved at the last minute following discussions between both parties on Wednesday. While the exact financial terms of the settlement were not disclosed, the agreement closes a contentious chapter between two former close allies.

    Lobov had filed the lawsuit in November 2022, claiming he played a key role in the creation of Proper No. Twelve and was promised a 5 percent stake in the business.

    The dispute centered on an alleged verbal agreement made in 2017, in which the 39-year-old Russian said he helped develop the concept, connect with distillers, and lay the groundwork for what would become a massively successful brand.

    The former UFC two-division champion, however, denied the existence of any such agreement. McGregor maintained that, while Lobov had limited involvement in early discussions, the final product differed significantly in branding, structure, partnerships, and execution.

    The financial stakes were substantial. “The Notorious” and his business partners sold their majority stake in Proper No. Twelve to Proximo Spirits in 2021 in a deal reportedly worth around $600 million, with McGregor himself believed to have earned approximately $130 million from the sale.

    During the legal proceedings, it also emerged that the Irishman had previously offered Lobov an ex gratia payment of $1 million in recognition of his limited contribution, an offer that was ultimately rejected.

    As part of the settlement, a brief statement from the 37-year-old Dubliner was read in court:

    “I am satisfied that this matter has been resolved and I can focus on my training and this summer’s fight. I want to thank Artem for his hard work for my whiskey business.”

    Lobov, who was present in court, later confirmed he was content with the outcome, describing himself as “happy” with the resolution.

  • Matt Brown Doubts Nate Diaz Turned Down More UFC Money

    Matt Brown Doubts Nate Diaz Turned Down More UFC Money

    Matt Brown does not believe Nate Diaz’s explanation for turning down a UFC fight with Conor McGregor, and he laid out exactly why on The Fighter vs. The Writer.

    Diaz recently claimed he rejected a more lucrative offer from the UFC for a McGregor trilogy because he did not want to face the Irishman on what he described as his “last dying f***ing leg” after five years away from competition. Brown is skeptical, arguing that Diaz’s career history tells a different story about his decision-making.

    “Money talks,” Brown said. “He’s making more money with this Netflix fight than he would with the UFC. That’s why he’s not fighting Conor in the UFC. I lean towards believing Dana on this. He got an offer he couldn’t refuse.”

    Brown reinforced the point by noting that Diaz has always prioritized the biggest payday available. “I don’t believe it for a second that he’s not making more money with this Netflix deal, however that plays out, his bank account ends up with more money from this fight than it does in the UFC or he doesn’t take the fight. He’s going to pick the highest bidder. I don’t think that’s unique to him, but I think he understands this is prize fighting. He’s fighting for money. He’s going to take the highest pay.”

    Diaz is instead fighting Mike Perry on May 16 on the Ronda Rousey vs. Gina Carano Netflix card under Most Valuable Promotions. Perry left the UFC on a 1-4 skid before becoming a star in bare-knuckle fighting.

    Brown acknowledged that, on paper, the McGregor fight carries far more cultural weight. “Whereas Conor, dude you already beat him twice, you know what to do. It’s a way, way bigger fight. Whether the viewership numbers reflect that or not, the actual fight and the media, the attention, the fight fans that care, even mainstream, Diaz and Conor is probably the biggest fight the UFC could even make right now.”

    He also suggested the UFC’s offer likely came with conditions such as a multi-fight deal, which may have made the single-fight MVP arrangement more attractive to Diaz, regardless of the headline number. The door for a future UFC return remains open, but Brown is firm that money drove the decision.

  • Jiri Prochazka Shares Honest Take On Conor McGregor’s Potential UFC Comeback – ‘He Has To Prove That’

    Jiri Prochazka Shares Honest Take On Conor McGregor’s Potential UFC Comeback – ‘He Has To Prove That’

    Jiri Prochazka has never been one to hold back his opinions, and ahead of his return at UFC 327, the former champion shared his honest take on Conor McGregor’s long-awaited comeback.

    Prochazka, who is set to face Carlos Ulberg this weekend for the vacant light heavyweight title, has built his career on discipline and an all-in mindset. For “BJP”, that same level of commitment is non-negotiable in MMA.

    Jiri Prochazka Questions Conor McGregor’s Comeback Mindset

    During a recent appearance on Adin Ross’ livestream on Kick, Jiri Prochazka shared his thoughts on Conor McGregor’s potential comeback.

    “I really liked to watch Conor McGregor when he believed in himself, and he was in the right mood,” Prochazka said.

    “The Notorious” hasn’t competed since UFC 264 in July 2021, when he suffered a broken leg in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. Although the former two-division champion was scheduled to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, the fight never materialized after he was forced to withdraw due to injury.

    Now, with talks of a comeback once again gaining traction, “BJP” believes the burden is entirely on McGregor to prove he still belongs at the elite level.

    “Who knows? He has to prove that. He has to show that,” Prochazka said.

    The former UFC light heavyweight champion emphasized that success in MMA demands total dedication, something he believes every fighter must embrace or step away from the sport.

    “In this game, there’s one rule. You are on top, burning, firing, and you can shine, or stay back. That’s the rule.”

  • Conor McGregor Leads UFC Fighters in 2026 Drug Tests

    Conor McGregor Leads UFC Fighters in 2026 Drug Tests

    Conor McGregor has been tested more frequently than any other UFC fighter in 2026, according to recent data. The former two-division champion continues to be subjected to regular drug testing by USADA despite remaining outside the octagon.

    McGregor has not competed since his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, where he suffered a broken leg. The Irishman remains in the USADA testing pool as an active UFC roster member, requiring him to be available for random drug testing at any time.

    Testing Protocol for Inactive Fighters

    UFC fighters who remain under contract must continue to submit to drug testing even during extended periods of inactivity. The frequency of testing can vary based on multiple factors, including an athlete’s profile and competitive history.

    McGregor’s Return Timeline

    The former featherweight and lightweight champion has repeatedly discussed returning to competition but has not committed to a specific date or opponent. Any potential comeback would require McGregor to remain compliant with all USADA testing requirements.

    The 2026 testing data show that McGregor continues to maintain his eligibility for competition through compliance with regular testing.

  • Chael Sonnen: UFC Can Book Conor McGregor Against Anyone

    Chael Sonnen: UFC Can Book Conor McGregor Against Anyone

    Chael Sonnen believes the UFC can book Conor McGregor against any opponent and still sell out an arena. The former title challenger says McGregor remains one of the biggest draws in combat sports despite approaching five years without a fight.

    McGregor has not competed since July 2021 at UFC 264, where he suffered a broken leg in a trilogy bout loss to Dustin Poirier. The 37-year-old was scheduled to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 but withdrew due to injury.

    Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen addressed the ongoing speculation about McGregor’s comeback opponent. Names like Jorge Masvidal, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and Nate Diaz have been frequently mentioned as potential matchups.

    Red Panty Night Still Real

    Sonnen stated that McGregor’s drawing power transcends his opponents’ quality. He believes the former champion can generate massive interest regardless of who stands across from him.

    “Conor’s in a unique spot. ‘Red Panty Night’ is still real,” Sonnen said. “Conor can be in there with Ian Garry. Conor can be in there with Max Holloway. Conor McGregor could be in there with your neighbor, it doesn’t make a damn bit of difference. They’ve only got so many tickets and they’re going to sell them all.”

    The reference to “Red Panty Night” stems from McGregor’s own phrase describing the financial windfall opponents receive when fighting him. Sonnen believes that phenomenon remains intact despite McGregor’s extended absence.

    Potential Opponents and UFC Strategy

    Sonnen stated the UFC might give McGregor a relevant contender rather than a legacy matchup. He specifically mentioned welterweight contender Ian Garry as a possibility.

    “I have a feeling that Conor’s going to get dealt right from the bottom of the deck,” Sonnen said. “I have a feeling they’re going to throw an ace on the table because Conor is willing to do it. I have a feeling he’s going to fight Ian Garry or an Ian Garry type.”

    Nate Diaz recently claimed the UFC offered him a trilogy bout with McGregor, but he turned it down to fight Mike Perry at an upcoming event. Sonnen believes that matchup could still materialize if circumstances change.

    McGregor has just one victory since 2016, a 40-second knockout of Donald Cerrone at UFC 246. His reputation has been impacted by both in-cage struggles and legal issues, including being found liable for sexual assault in a civil case in November 2024.

    Sonnen added that while the UFC has flexibility in booking McGregor, fan sentiment could ultimately influence the decision on his comeback opponent.

  • UFC Commentator Defends Nate Diaz Rejecting Conor McGregor Fight: ‘Not About The Paycheck’

    UFC commentator Jon Anik has backed Nate Diaz’s decision to turn down a trilogy fight against Conor McGregor.

    Diaz recently revealed he turned down a UFC offer to return this year for a fight against the Irishman. The 40-year-old explained he still believes he can compete against the best fighters in the world and requested a bout with Charles Oliveira instead.

    Jon Anik Calls Diaz’s Stance ‘Refreshing’

    Speaking on Submission Radio, Anik praised the fighter for prioritizing competitive merit over financial gain.

    “I think it’s the biggest fight and it makes a lot of sense,” Anik said. “That’s not the fight that he was looking for and I think that’s a little bit refreshing if I could take that side of it, to hear Nate say that he wants something that maybe competitively for him is more juicy, that he’s not necessarily there for the pageantry or the biggest possible pay check.”

    Conor McGregor Trilogy Replaced by Max Holloway Bout

    With the Stockton native out of the picture, Max Holloway has emerged as the frontrunner to face McGregor in his targeted comeback. Holloway recently lost his BMF title at UFC 326.

    The promotion is reportedly targeting UFC 329 during International Fight Week for McGregor’s return. The former ESPN anchor expressed enthusiasm for both potential matchups involving “The Notorious.”

    “It may be a little inside baseball of me to think of that Max Holloway fight in the terms that I do but I would really like to see that.

    “The Charles Oliveira fight makes a lot of sense as well and as I’m commentating the BMF title fight with Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway, the whole time, (Joe) Rogan and I are thinking, wow, not man, this is boring.

    “To me, Charles and Conor for the BMF belt makes a lot of sense, Holloway makes a lot of sense.”

    Despite signing with MVP MMA for his next fight, Diaz’s decision likely doesn’t rule out a potential future return to the UFC for a McGregor trilogy down the line.

    Nate Diaz is set to face Mike Perry on the MVP MMA Netflix card scheduled for May 16th.

  • Nate Diaz Turned Down Conor McGregor Trilogy Fight

    Nate Diaz has revealed that he turned down the opportunity to complete a trilogy with Conor McGregor, revealing he had no interest in facing the former UFC champion for a third time. The Stockton native made it clear he saw no benefit in another matchup.

    During an appearance on “This Past Weekend,” Diaz explained why he didn’t want to lock horns with McGregor at this stage in their lives:

    “I want to fight the best of the best when they are the best of the best. Conor’s great, but I’m not trying to go kill off Conor when he’s on his last dying f*cking leg, literally. That’s f*cked up. I’m not trying to be the ending to some f*cker’s story like that. We ain’t friends, we ain’t none of that, but I ain’t trying to finish this dude off. That’s what I plan on doing if we’re fighting. At the same time, I ain’t trying to get f*cked up by nobody who just got knocked out on his ass and broke his leg, this guy’s down and out, now he’s nothing but motivated to fight me because who else are you going to fight in there? They’re probably going to give him a f*cking BMF belt, f*cking bitch-ass Oliveira, who I believe I’ll beat the f*cking shit out of.”

    Diaz-McGregor History

    The rivalry between Diaz and McGregor produced two of the UFC’s biggest pay-per-view events. Diaz submitted McGregor at UFC 196 in March 2016, handing the Irish star his first UFC loss.

    McGregor won the rematch five months later at UFC 202 via majority decision. A trilogy fight has been discussed for years but never materialized while both fighters were under UFC contract.

    No Interest in Third Fight

    Diaz’s comments indicate he viewed a trilogy as unnecessary. With the series split at one win apiece, the fighter apparently felt no need to settle the score definitively.

    Both fighters have since moved on to other ventures. McGregor has been sidelined with injuries and business pursuits, while Diaz departed the UFC in 2022 to pursue boxing and other combat sports opportunities.

  • Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Confirmed: ‘Rumors Are True’

    Conor McGregor’s UFC Return Confirmed: ‘Rumors Are True’

    Former two-division champion Conor McGregor has reignited speculation about his UFC return, expressing interest in competing again in 2026. ‘The Notorious’ who holds a 22-6 record, has been inactive since suffering a broken leg in his TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

    As per Ariel Helwani, McGregor’s return is being targeted for July 11th during UFC International Fight Week. Helwani also reported that Max Holloway is being considered as a potential opponent for the Irishman’s comeback fight.

    Conor McGregor Teases Return

    In a recent Instagram post, ‘The Notorious’ seemed to confirm recent rumors surrounding a potential comeback at the UFC’s International Fight Week event in July.

    McGregor has been active on social media regarding his return plans. He posted and then deleted a message stating he had been offered an opponent and a date, which he accepted. More recently, McGregor indicated he is open to facing a “no name” opponent and urged the UFC to send him a contract.

    “The rumours are true! Mr. Confidence returns to save fighting again! Call your grandma! Nanny we did it! Watch and pay me. F— you pay me. You fat Irish prick you don’t have my money I put your brain to sleep,” McGregor began.

    “See ya’s in the Casinos after, the Mac loves yas all, I got love for yas all it’s an honor it’s light work it’s easy. FOR LIFE AND ETERNITY ITS MCGREGOR! BIG MONEY MAC DADDY MCGREGOR I EXPECT FAWNING OF THE HIGHEST FOR LIFE. I DO THIS FIGHT GAME EASY PEEZY. THE SOUND OF MY SHOTS OFF THE HEAD GO “BING” in green dot laser form. Go BHB!

    Conor McGregor’s Impending Return

    The 38-year-old fighter was scheduled to return at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler in June 2024, but withdrew from that bout due to a toe injury. His last appearance in the octagon ended with the gruesome leg break against Poirier nearly five years ago.

    UFC CEO Dana White has publicly welcomed McGregor’s potential comeback, though he has stated he is not interested in booking the previously planned matchup with Chandler.

    White’s comments suggest the promotion is open to McGregor’s return but may be exploring different opponent options.

    While McGregor has expressed his desire to compete in 2026, no official fight announcement has been made by the UFC. The promotion has not confirmed the July 11 date or any specific opponent for McGregor’s return.

  • Dana White Accidentally Leaks Conor-Garry Fight: ‘Won’t Be in Ireland’

    Dana White Accidentally Leaks Conor-Garry Fight: ‘Won’t Be in Ireland’

    Conor McGregor’s next opponent remains uncertain, but UFC CEO Dana White might have dropped a hint, suggesting a possible fight with Ian Machado Garry. Michael Chandler has long been expected to face McGregor, but White’s comments add a new twist to the situation.

    McGregor has not fought since his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, where he suffered a broken tibia. Chandler last fought in November 2022, losing to Dustin Poirier. White previously stated that McGregor would not fight in 2024, with a return expected in early 2025.

    Dana White on UFC Ireland

    In an interview, Dana White responded to a question about the UFC’s rumored return to Ireland and whether McGregor and Garry would be fighting there. White said:

    “Yeah, that’s a great question. Definitely not with those fights. But, yes. I mean, I love Ireland, too. So, [I would] love to go back to Dublin, do a show there. And we’re definitely taking Zuffa Boxing to Ireland, too. “But the Conor/Garry fight won’t be in Ireland.

    The situation remains fluid, with McGregor’s return anticipated but the opponent and date still to be determined.

  • Conor McGregor Confirms UFC Return Negotiations, Targets Summer Comeback

    Conor McGregor Confirms UFC Return Negotiations, Targets Summer Comeback

    Conor McGregor has confirmed he is in active negotiations with the UFC for a summer return, telling fans on Instagram that a deal is in the works — though the exact venue remains up in the air.

    “I am in negotiations with the UFC about the bout, either the White House or thereabouts,” McGregor said in a short interview on his LITT drink brand’s Instagram account. “Sometime in the summer, McGregor will return.”

    https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVYv7V8jv52/?igsh=ZDU3bzB5N3dwc3Yw

    White House Slot Unlikely

    Despite McGregor previously insisting his return at UFC’s June 14 White House event was a “done deal, signed, delivered,” Uncrowned’s Ariel Helwani has reported that McGregor is not expected to appear on that card.

    The UFC White House event carries no gate revenue for the promotion — with UFC projecting losses of up to $60 million on the invite-only show — making it a poor financial match for a fighter of McGregor’s earning power.

    International Fight Week the Target

    UFC’s International Fight Week card on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas has emerged as the most likely landing spot for McGregor’s comeback, per Helwani. The annual marquee week is among the most lucrative on the UFC calendar and would give the promotion the blockbuster gate and PPV numbers a McGregor fight demands.

    Contract Dispute Still a Factor

    A significant hurdle remains in finalizing the deal. McGregor has argued that the UFC’s new $7.7 billion Paramount+ broadcast agreement voids his existing contract, which was built around a PPV revenue-sharing structure. UFC President Dana White has not confirmed any agreement is imminent, stating bluntly: “If it was done and he accepted it, I would announce it.”

    Opponent TBD

    No opponent has been confirmed or officially targeted. McGregor recently said he would accept a “no-name” opponent to simply get back into competition, posting “Day 15 of ‘I accept, send the contract’” on social media.

    Max Holloway has publicly expressed interest in a rematch, while Colby Covington has also lobbied for the fight, though White has shot down that pairing.

    McGregor’s last official bout ended in a doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to Poirier after he snapped his tibia in the first round. He has not competed since.

    Stay tuned to MMA News for updates as McGregor’s return negotiations develop.

  • Conor McGregor Unlikely To Compete at UFC White House

    Conor McGregor Unlikely To Compete at UFC White House

    After all the rumors and speculation, it does not seem like Conor McGregor’s UFC return will take place on the UFC White House card.

    This news comes courtesy of Ariel Helwani, who provided an update on plans for the June 14 event in the U.S. national capital, held as part of the country’s 250th anniversary celebration.

    In a video discussing the aftermath of the Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg light heavyweight title fight announcement, Helwani dropped that the chances that McGregor competes in Washington, D.C are not positive.

    That doesn’t mean, Helwani says, that McGregor won’t fight at all in 2026. In fact, Helwani speculates there’s a better chance McGregor competes in the main event of UFC’s International Fight Week event — which he revealed will be on July 11 in Las Vegas.

    “It doesn’t look like it’s going to be Conor on the White House card,” Helwani said. “They have an International Fight Week card scheduled for July 11 in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena. There’s a greater chance of him fighting on that card than on the White House card.”

    Could Conor McGregor Fight At International Fight Week in 2026?

    Since U.S. President Donald Trump’s first tease of a UFC event on the White House lawn last summer, several fighters have campaigned to be featured at the event. McGregor, in fact, was one of the very first names.

    McGregor has gone through the process of “unretiring,” and it’s recently been revealed that he has been drug tested three times in the first two months of 2026.

    Helwani, however, explains the UFC probably prefers McGregor compete on a numbered card for the chance to increase profit, attendance figures, and viewership numbers for a card that won’t have the White House’s unique appeal, citing financials.

    “As I’ve told you, there’s no money to be made [from the White House event],” Helwani said. “In fact, they keep touting the fact that there’s money to be lost from the White House event. No one’s crying for them. I think they made like $850 million last year, according to what was released.”

    UFC CEO and President Dana White recently announced he will announce the White House card and its main event in the coming days.

    Michael Chandler has previously advocated for a long-awaited fight with McGregor to take place at UFC White House, but White shot that down in January.

    McGregor and Chandler, after coaching season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter, were scheduled to face off at UFC 303 before McGregor withdrew weeks before the event.

    McGregor has been open about fighting even “a no name” to return to the UFC.

    McGregor, who has two fights left on his UFC contract, hasn’t fought since losing his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

    Since then, he’s had an unsuccessful bid for the Irish presidency and has had sexual assault allegations against him, including being found liable for the rape of Nikita Hand in 2018.

  • ‘No Surprise There’: McGregor Tops UFC Drug Testing List Ahead of Return

    ‘No Surprise There’: McGregor Tops UFC Drug Testing List Ahead of Return

    Conor McGregor is back to complying with drug tests on demand, so much so that he’s already the UFC’s most-tested athlete through the first two months of 2026.

    McGregor is currently serving an 18-month suspension for three whereabouts failures under the UFC Anti-Doping Program (CSAD). His suspension began retroactively on September 20, 2024, and expires on March 20, 2026 — meaning he’s just weeks away from being cleared to compete.

    The former champ-champ is eyeing a return at the UFC White House card on June 14, 2026, and reacted to a tweet listing the UFC fighters with the most anti-doping tests this year with his trademark nonchalance. “Well no surprise there. As always, the most tested,” he wrote.

    McGregor hasn’t set foot in the octagon since suffering a gruesome leg fracture at UFC 264 in July 2021.

    With UFC’s biggest box office draw on the verge of eligibility, a McGregor return at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue is looking like a very real possibility.

  • Carlos Prates Threatens Conor McGregor After Fight Rumors Flood Social Media: ‘I Would Knock Him Out’

    Carlos Prates Threatens Conor McGregor After Fight Rumors Flood Social Media: ‘I Would Knock Him Out’

    Carlos Prates recently fired shots at Conor McGregor and warned that the former two-division champion would not want the potential fight.

    Prates, the No. 5-ranked welterweight contender with a 6–1 UFC record, stated that he’s open to facing “The Notorious” after social media rumors claimed he had been offered the fight for the June 14 UFC White House card. However, he questioned the logic of the matchup given McGregor’s five-year absence from active competition.

    Despite rumors, “The Nightmare” stated he has not received official communication from the UFC regarding a McGregor fight. He also mentioned former 170-pound champion Jack Della Maddalena as a potential opponent, as he prioritizes fighting for a title shot.

    Carlos Prates Sends Chilling Warning To Conor McGregor

    Carlos Prates recently took to Instagram to address the rumored fight with Conor McGregor, saying the matchup does not make sense right now but warning the Irishman of what would happen if the fight were ever booked.

    “Conor McGregor, to be honest, I think the fight is hard to make happen because Conor McGregor has been out for five years,” Prates said. “He’s been retired from MMA, and after five years away, he would not beg to fight against the most entertaining welterweight in the world. Nothing against him, but everybody knows, and I know he knows, that I would hurt him bad. I would knock him out. So I don’t think it’s the right way to make a comeback for a huge superstar like him.”

    “The Nightmare” recently achieved a stunning knockout victory against former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards at UFC 322 in November.

    Meanwhile, McGregor has been inactive since 2021, when he suffered a severe leg injury during his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

    “The Notorious” was scheduled to return at UFC 303 in 2024 against Michael Chandler, but withdrew after breaking his toe in training. McGregor recently posted on X that he’s willing to fight a “no-name” opponent for his highly anticipated potential return at UFC White House and asked the promotion to send him a contract.

    Image: @TheNotoriousMMA/X
  • McGregor Accepts ‘No Name’ Opponent, Dana White Responds

    McGregor Accepts ‘No Name’ Opponent, Dana White Responds

    If you take Conor McGregor’s word for it, when he said he’d fight anyone for his UFC return bout, he meant it.

    McGregor was one of several UFC fighters watching along and sharing his thoughts on X (fka Twitter) during the UFC Houston card.

    During that time, McGregor posted about making his UFC return, something that he has teased on and off again, especially since U.S. President Donald Trump’s first announcement about a UFC White House card.

    In a now-deleted post, McGregor told the MMA community that his next opponent might be a “no name” — but he also didn’t care.

    “It’s a no name up next for me possibly, folks,” McGregor posted. “And as you know, I don’t give a f***. I ACCEPT. Send the contract, lads. CONOR MCGREGOR’S DEAL.”

    McGregor would later make a post responding to those saying they were tired of McGregor’s ego.

    “I have no ego whatsoever but sublime confidence earned through decades of hard work!” McGregor posted.

    McGregor has been one of the UFC names who have pushed the heaviest to compete on the UFC White House event, which is scheduled for Sunday, June 14.

    Still, as of press time, no announcement of any UFC White House fights, let alone a McGregor one, has been announced.

    In fact, at the UFC Houston post-fight press conference, when asked about the truth to McGregor’s recent posting about being offered a fight, UFC CEO and President Dana White suggested such a claim was not true.

    “If it was done and he accepted it, I would announce it,” White said.

    Michael Chandler had been teasing a long-awaited fight with McGregor would take place at the White House card, but White nixed that idea last month.

    A fight between McGregor and Chandler had been awaited since the two coached season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter in 2023. The two were booked for the original UFC 303 main event before McGregor withdrew a few weeks before the fight.

    McGregor has not been seen in action since his loss to Dustin Poirier in their trilogy bout that headlined UFC 264 in July 2021.

    White has previously teased that the booking for the White House card is done, with a couple of different main event options.