Renowned UFC fighter Conor McGregor has confirmed rumors regarding his potential return to the Octagon in 2026. Despite more than four years having passed since his last appearance, the former two-division champion remains one of the most discussed figures in the world of mixed martial arts. McGregor, who hasn`t competed since suffering a leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, has repeatedly hinted at a comeback. He was originally set to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303 but was forced to withdraw due to injury. After nearly a year of absence following the cancellation of UFC 303, McGregor had shown some uncertainty about returning to the cage. However, a recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump seems to have given him new motivation to plan his comeback.
McGregor`s Response to Comeback Rumors
President Trump recently surprised the public by announcing the UFC`s plans to host a historic event on the White House lawn in 2026, commemorating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence. Already, many well-known athletes are expressing keen interest in participating in this upcoming tournament. UFC CEO Dana White promises that this unprecedented card will surpass last year`s event at the Las Vegas Sphere in scale. Initially, McGregor`s reaction to this news was brief, indicating interest but without explicit commitment.
However, Bare Knuckle FC President David Feldman recently stated that McGregor confirmed his intentions to return to the UFC in a private conversation. In an interview with The Schmo, McGregor commented on Feldman`s claims, noting that he is already in the UFC`s testing program and is preparing for a full-scale MMA comeback. “I`m going home to focus and rest. They`re testing me, I`m in the pool!” McGregor declared. “So get ready! And stay ready, because it`s going to be serious! Oval Office, White House garden!”
Despite McGregor`s statements, his actual status in the UFC`s testing pool remains questionable, as he hasn`t submitted doping tests in 2025, which could affect his proposed return next July. These comments emerged shortly after McGregor issued an ultimatum to White and the UFC for his return: the promotion must sign his young teammate, Lee Hammond, to a contract.
Potential Co-Headline with Jon Jones
In addition to McGregor, former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has also expressed readiness to come out of retirement to participate in this historic event. Jones, who announced his retirement just weeks ago, immediately after Trump`s announcement, revealed his plans to return to the Octagon. Following Jones`s departure from the sport, the UFC heavyweight title passed to Tom Aspinall. Aspinall is expected to make his first title defense later this year. The potential co-main event featuring McGregor and Jones, two of the UFC`s biggest pay-per-view stars, at the 2026 White House event, promises to be a monumental occasion. The coming months will reveal the seriousness of these fighters` intentions regarding their comebacks.
Jack Thornley