UFC superstar Conor McGregor has once again sparked speculation about a potential return to the Octagon, delivering a cryptic message on social media that follows recent teases of retirement and even political ambitions.
McGregor hasn`t competed since suffering a leg injury during his fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. A planned return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 was cancelled due to a toe injury.
Despite previous hints at stepping away or pursuing other ventures like politics, McGregor appears to have shifted his focus back towards fighting. However, he`s attached a significant requirement to any potential comeback bout.
McGregor`s Major Condition for UFC Return Could Challenge Dana White
A key condition for McGregor`s return is his long-standing desire to fight in a large stadium. This presents a potential conflict, as UFC CEO Dana White has typically expressed reluctance about hosting UFC events in such massive venues.
Inspired perhaps by events like WrestleMania held in large arenas, McGregor took to social media platform X to outline his demand for signing a new fight contract. He explicitly stated, “I`ll only come back to a stadium.”
While some, like Paddy Pimblett, have suggested a stadium fight against McGregor (with Pimblett even proposing Wembley), McGregor indicated a different opponent is on his mind. In a subsequent tweet, he specifically called out Michael Chandler, declaring “IRON MIKE CHANDLER. Unfinished business.”
Chandler, who has faced setbacks with three consecutive losses since he first began calling for a fight with McGregor in 2022, has not yet publicly responded to McGregor`s latest challenge. Interestingly, McGregor recently lost a sizable bet on Chandler`s fight against Pimblett but commented positively on Pimblett`s performance and potential.
A 2025 return for McGregor currently seems unlikely. A significant hurdle remains his status within the Drug Free Sport testing pool; no tests are listed for him in 2025 as of now. Active participation in the testing program is typically required before a fighter can book a return fight, potentially causing further delays.
McGregor`s Return Teases Continue Amidst Uncertainty
Before his injury layoff in 2021, McGregor had a challenging run, including a TKO loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 257 (his first career TKO defeat in the UFC) and a submission loss to rival Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. He has lost three of his last four fights overall.
Despite the long break from competition, injuries, and questions surrounding his eligibility and testing status, McGregor`s public interest in fighting persists. His continuous teases, particularly his demand for a stadium fight and naming Chandler as his desired opponent, keep fans and potentially matchmakers guessing about his future in the sport.
Rupert Hartwell