McGregor Teases Return
Conor McGregor may be stepping back into the Octagon sooner than fans expect. The 37-year-old Irish superstar, sidelined since July 2021 after breaking his leg in a loss to longtime rival Dustin Poirier, has been teasing a comeback for months. Now, with his image front and centre on Times Square billboards promoting UFC’s new partnership with Paramount+, speculation is reaching a fever pitch.
The promotion’s new subscription-based model replaces the traditional pay-per-view setup, and McGregor himself shared the billboard on social media, declaring: “It will be my great honour to ‘MAKE UFC GREAT AGAIN!’ Only on @paramountplus.” Fans are eager to see if the “Notorious” will finally make good on his hints about a return to the cage, potentially headlining the UFC’s highly anticipated White House card this summer.
Cleared to Compete
McGregor’s path back to fighting is clear. In October, he accepted a backdated 18-month suspension for missing three drug tests, which means he is eligible to compete in the UFC again starting 20 March. The Irishman was also forced to withdraw from a planned June 2024 showdown with Michael Chandler due to a broken toe, but he has repeatedly described that matchup as a “done deal” for the White House card, though UFC officials have yet to confirm.
While McGregor has flirted with retirement and explored politics—including briefly pursuing the presidency of Ireland—his focus appears to be returning to the sport that made him a global icon.
Controversy Follows the Fighter
Outside the cage, McGregor has had a tumultuous few years. Legal battles have dominated headlines, most notably a civil case stemming from a 2018 assault and rape accusation, where a jury found him liable for assault. McGregor continues to deny all allegations.
Despite these off-field controversies, McGregor remains one of MMA’s most recognizable stars, capable of driving viewership and headlines worldwide. His potential return to UFC action, coupled with the new Paramount+ broadcasting deal, has fans and pundits eagerly watching for his next move.
