Conor McGregor Announces UFC Return, Targets July Comeback

After nearly five years away, Conor McGregor has announced that he is returning to the UFC.

The former two-division champion shared the news on social media on March 25, 2026, telling fans he is coming back to “save fighting again.” His return comes shortly after his 18-month suspension ended on March 20. The suspension was due to anti-doping whereabouts violations.

While the UFC has not officially confirmed his comeback fight, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reports that McGregor is expected to return on July 11, 2026, at UFC 330 in Las Vegas. The event is set to headline the promotion’s annual International Fight Week.

McGregor also posted a message on Instagram celebrating his return, writing: “The rumors are true! Mr. Confidence returns to save fighting again!”

Several fighters are being discussed as potential opponents for McGregor’s comeback:

Ian Machado Garry: UFC CEO Dana White recently hinted at this matchup. It would be an “Ireland vs. Ireland” fight, though likely held in Las Vegas instead of Dublin.

Max Holloway: The former BMF champion has called for a rematch with McGregor at any weight after his recent loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326.

Jorge Masvidal: There is also talk of a high-profile “BMF-style” fight, especially as Masvidal has hinted at a possible UFC return.

McGregor is currently back in the UFC’s anti-doping testing pool and is said to be finalizing a new contract. The deal is expected to reflect the UFC’s move away from traditional pay-per-view events toward a major streaming partnership with Paramount+.

An official announcement from the UFC is still pending, but McGregor’s return is already generating major attention as one of the biggest comebacks in the sport.