Conor McGregor has not fought inside the UFC octagon since UFC 264 in 2021, when a severe injury during his fight with Dustin Poirier abruptly halted his career. The fight served as a highly anticipated trilogy matchup, with both fighters holding one win each and the winner set to secure a top contender spot and a potential lightweight title shot. McGregor’s leg injury occurred after a leg kick in the first round, forcing a doctor’s stoppage that handed Poirier a technical knockout victory.
Despite the physical setback, McGregor delivered an intense post-fight interview, insisting the rivalry was far from over. He declared,
“I was boxing the bleeding head off him, kicking the bleeding leg off him,”
and added,
“This is not over. If I have to take this outside with him, it’s all outside. I don’t give a [expletive].”
—Conor McGregor, UFC Fighter
Transitioning from octagon to screen: McGregor’s Hollywood endeavor
During his extended UFC hiatus, McGregor shifted his focus toward acting, joining the cast of the “Road House” remake alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. Playing the villain Knox, McGregor promoted the film heavily before its release, contributing to its notable success on the Prime Video streaming platform. The film set a record for the most-watched debut for an Amazon MGM Studios production globally, drawing 50 million viewers within its first two weekends. This achievement led the studio to approve a sequel.
“Road House has become Amazon MGM Studios’ most-watched produced film debut ever on a worldwide basis.”
—Prime Video Official Statement
Repeated postponements mark McGregor’s UFC comeback efforts
Despite intentions to return, McGregor’s comeback has faced numerous delays. In 2023, he appeared as a coach opposite Michael Chandler on “The Ultimate Fighter,” a reality series designed to build anticipation for their planned fight. However, UFC failed to finalize this matchup, partly because McGregor did not re-enter the mandatory USADA drug testing pool required for competition. The promotion eventually scheduled McGregor vs. Chandler for UFC 303, an event aligned with International Fight Week, but the bout was cancelled after McGregor announced yet another injury, sharing a photo of his injured toe.
No rescheduling timeline was provided, causing Chandler to move on to fight other opponents such as Charles Oliveira and Paddy Pimblett. Nevertheless, McGregor’s recent expression of interest to compete in an upcoming UFC event at the White House has reignited speculation about his possible return.
Potential White House fight raises hopes for McGregor’s resurgence
Following the announcement of a planned UFC event at the White House by former President Trump, McGregor publicly expressed excitement and willingness to participate. Posting on his social media account, he wrote,
“Happy 4th of July, USA. Excited with President Trump announcing a UFC fight event at The White House. I would be honored! Count me in!”
—Conor McGregor, UFC Fighter
Known for his flair and ability to draw massive audiences, McGregor’s involvement in the White House event could mark a significant milestone in overcoming his lengthy UFC comeback delay. Fans and analysts alike are paying close attention to how this opportunity might finally bring the former two-division champion back into competitive action.
If the bout comes to fruition, it would not only signal the end of McGregor’s extended absence but also add a high-profile chapter to the UFC’s history, blending sports with a unique political backdrop. Until then, the exact timing of his return remains uncertain, leaving the UFC and mixed martial arts communities eager for updates.