Quick Read
- Conor McGregor aims for a third UFC title, targeting Islam Makhachev at welterweight.
- McGregor expects to fight at the historic UFC White House event in June 2025.
- His comeback has been delayed by injury but he remains motivated and training regularly.
- A fight with Michael Chandler is still possible, but McGregor trusts UFC to choose his next opponent.
- The McGregor-Makhachev matchup would reignite old rivalries linked to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Conor McGregor Plots His Return: The Pursuit of a Third Crown
When Conor McGregor speaks, the fight world listens. Now, in late 2025, the former two-division UFC champion is making headlines once again—not with talk of retirement or business ventures, but with a renewed hunger for gold. This time, his ambition is as bold as ever: he wants to become the first fighter in UFC history to win belts in three separate weight classes.
McGregor, who hasn’t set foot in the octagon since 2021, has zeroed in on Islam Makhachev, the reigning welterweight king and current No. 1 in MMA Fighting‘s Pound-for-Pound Rankings. In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, McGregor laid it out plainly: “I for sure want a crack at that 170-pound belt to go for the triple crown.”
The Road to the White House: UFC’s Historic Event
McGregor’s potential return is closely tied to the highly anticipated UFC White House card scheduled for June 2025. While the details are still being hammered out, McGregor is certain he’ll be involved, and the prospect has injected fresh energy into his training routine. “The White House is on,” McGregor confirmed, adding that he expects contract negotiations and matchmaking to kick off in early 2025. For now, he’s keeping a fighter’s rhythm—two gym sessions a day, staying sharp and ready for the call.
This event could mark a watershed moment for the UFC, both in terms of spectacle and symbolism. If McGregor does make his return at the White House, it will not only be a showcase of star power but also a statement about the sport’s growing cultural footprint.
Islam Makhachev: The Next Challenge—and Old Rivalries
Targeting Makhachev is more than just a strategic move for McGregor—it’s personal. Their paths have never directly crossed in the cage, but the history runs deep. Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, famously defeated McGregor at UFC 229 in a fight that spilled over into a notorious post-match brawl, leading to suspensions and fines for both camps. That feud set the stage for years of tension between the Dagestani camp and McGregor’s team.
Now, with Makhachev having successfully stepped up from lightweight and dethroned Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, he stands as the undisputed champion at 170 pounds. McGregor, ever the tactician, was impressed: “It was a good performance out of him and fair play to him, he had the courage to do it, to go up.” The prospect of two southpaws meeting in the cage—both with championship pedigree and a shared rivalry lineage—offers a compelling storyline for fans and promoters alike.
The Comeback Trail: Chandler, Injuries, and the Waiting Game
McGregor’s comeback story has been marked by stops and starts. His planned bout with lightweight veteran Michael Chandler, set for UFC 303 in June 2024, was derailed by a toe injury. The two had previously built up anticipation as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter 31, but fans were left waiting when McGregor pulled out of the fight.
Still, McGregor is open to facing Chandler again, or anyone else the UFC deems worthy. “I won’t say no to no one,” he insisted. His focus remains on returning to the octagon and displaying his skills, regardless of the opponent. The fighter’s trademark confidence is undiminished, but he’s leaving the matchmaking in the hands of UFC CEO Dana White and the company brass.
Legacy and Motivation: What Drives McGregor Now?
For McGregor, the motivation is internal. At 37, with nearly six years since his last win, the Irish superstar is acutely aware of the narrative surrounding his career. Critics point to his time away from competition and question whether he can recapture past glory. But McGregor has always thrived in the spotlight, turning doubters into believers and setbacks into comebacks.
“I’m motivated,” he told reporters. The triple crown—championships at featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight—is within reach, and for McGregor, the chance to make history is worth every risk.
What Lies Ahead: UFC, Promotion, and the McGregor Effect
Booking a fight between McGregor and Makhachev would be a blockbuster move for the UFC. The company is well aware of McGregor’s mainstream appeal, which transcends MMA’s usual boundaries and brings in casual fans from around the world. But with Makhachev at the height of his powers and McGregor on the comeback trail, the matchup presents both promotional opportunity and athletic uncertainty.
For now, fans can only speculate about the next steps. Will McGregor return to form and earn another title shot? Will Makhachev accept the challenge, continuing the legacy of Dagestani dominance? The answers will unfold in the months ahead, as the UFC finalizes its plans for the White House event and the fighters prepare for whatever comes next.
One thing is clear: McGregor’s presence, whether inside or outside the cage, continues to shape the sport’s narrative. His pursuit of history, his willingness to face anyone, and his knack for turning every fight into an event ensure that, win or lose, the eyes of the MMA world remain fixed on him.
McGregor’s determination to chase a third UFC belt at welterweight, despite years away from competition, is a testament to his enduring influence on the sport. While questions remain about his form and readiness, his ambition—and the promotional power he wields—guarantees that any comeback will be more than just another fight; it will be a defining chapter in MMA history.