Conor McGregor looks set to make his long-awaited UFC return during International Fight Week on July 11, according to reporter Ariel Helwani. Helwani said it would take “something disastrous” for the fight not to happen.
McGregor’s comeback plans
Helwani wrote that everything seems to be moving in the right direction for McGregor to fight on July 11 during International Fight Week. He added that the UFC needs McGregor and will do what it can to make the return happen.
Background: injuries and suspension
McGregor has not competed since 2021. He lost twice to Dustin Poirier by TKO, and in their second meeting he suffered a broken ankle after a leg kick.
McGregor was scheduled to return on June 29, 2024, against Michael Chandler, but he pulled out with a toe injury and the bout was canceled.
He also missed three drug-testing location disclosures in 2024. That led to an 18-month suspension that was applied retroactively to the date of the failures. Because of the retroactive start, McGregor became eligible to return as of March 2026.
Potential opponents and card talk
It is not yet clear who McGregor will fight on July 11. Media reports and fighters have discussed possible matchups. Max Holloway recently said he would like a rematch with McGregor after his loss at UFC 326, and he said he would take the fight at any weight.
Holloway lost the BMF Championship to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326. Holloway referenced his earlier loss to McGregor from 2013 when discussing a possible rematch. Those comments added fuel to the talk that McGregor could appear on a big summer card.
Recent fighter results
Below are the most recent known results for fighters mentioned in relation to McGregor’s return.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Conor McGregor | Last fought in 2021: two TKO losses to Dustin Poirier; broke ankle in second fight |
| Dustin Poirier | Beat McGregor twice by TKO (most recent meetings in 2021) |
| Michael Chandler | Scheduled to fight McGregor on June 29, 2024; bout canceled after McGregor withdrew with a toe injury |
| Max Holloway | Lost the BMF Championship to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 |
| Charles Oliveira | Beat Max Holloway to win the BMF Championship at UFC 326 |
For now, the timeline points to July 11 during International Fight Week as the likely date for McGregor’s return. Promoters, fighters and fans will watch closely as plans solidify and an opponent is announced.
