Quick Read
- Conor McGregor, 37, has not fought since a leg injury in 2021.
- Mauricio Ruffy, a lightweight contender, has expressed interest in fighting McGregor.
- UFC CEO Dana White has ruled out rebooking McGregor’s fight with Michael Chandler.
- McGregor needs to negotiate a new contract with UFC amid Paramount+’s shift from PPV to streaming.
- Floyd Mayweather recently filed a $340 million lawsuit referencing funds from his 2017 fight against McGregor.
The focus is clearly on Conor McGregor’s potential return to the UFC Octagon, with new speculation surrounding a possible opponent and ongoing discussions regarding his fight contract. After years of anticipation and several setbacks, the former two-division champion is reportedly eyeing a spot on a significant “UFC White House event” card, as lightweight contender Mauricio Ruffy has publicly expressed interest in facing him, adding a fresh twist to McGregor’s long-awaited comeback narrative.
McGregor’s Anticipated UFC Return
Conor McGregor, 37, has been a central figure in mixed martial arts news, not least for his extended absence from competition. His last fight was in 2021, where he suffered a leg injury in his trilogy bout against Justin Gaethje. Since then, his return has been repeatedly teased and delayed, including a highly anticipated matchup against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, which was ultimately derailed by another injury suffered by McGregor. UFC CEO Dana White has since confirmed that rebooking the fight with Chandler is no longer a consideration, signaling a shift in potential plans for “The Notorious.”
Despite the setbacks, McGregor has remained vocal about his readiness to return. In a recent sparring video posted by The Mac Life, McGregor asserted, “I’m 100 percent. We’re going in here 100 percent. I’m going into this fight 100 percent Conor McGregor. Not 92! 100 percent Conor McGregor.” This declaration aims to reassure fans and the promotion about his physical condition as he seeks to re-enter active competition.
Potential Opponent: Mauricio Ruffy
Adding a new dimension to the comeback speculation, rising lightweight Mauricio Ruffy, known as “One Shot,” has thrown his hat into the ring as a potential opponent for McGregor. Ruffy, fresh off a second-round TKO victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 325, believes he fits the profile McGregor might be seeking for his return. Speaking to Laerte Viana, Ruffy stated, “There were comments about me fighting him… In his return, he doesn’t want to fight a guy who’s coming off several losses. He wants to fight a good striker who will drive the crowd crazy.” Ruffy’s recent performance and striking prowess could indeed make him an attractive, yet challenging, opponent for McGregor’s highly publicized return.
Dana White on McGregor’s Impact
UFC CEO Dana White has consistently acknowledged Conor McGregor’s unparalleled impact on the sport. White, a long-time boxing enthusiast who recently revealed his “Mount Rushmore of Boxing” (featuring Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Robinson, Floyd Mayweather, and Mike Tyson), has often drawn parallels between McGregor and the legendary Muhammad Ali. White regards McGregor as a “revolutionary fighter who transformed UFC through charisma and trash-talking,” crediting him for selling millions of pay-per-views and being “central to the UFC’s explosive global success” (FirstSportz).
White’s admiration for McGregor’s promotional power and ability to generate massive revenue underscores why the UFC remains keen on his return, despite the challenges. White himself is reportedly “excited about ‘Mystic Mac’ returning at the UFC White House event,” indicating the significance the promotion places on McGregor’s next appearance.
Contract Negotiations and Future Plans
Beyond the opponent, McGregor’s return is also contingent on crucial business negotiations. The fighter has indicated that he will need to “work out a new deal with UFC amid the Paramount+ transition from pay-per-views to live streaming.” This shift in distribution model could significantly impact fighter payouts and revenue sharing, making contract discussions a critical hurdle before any fight announcement.
McGregor’s financial prowess has been well-documented, notably from his 2017 crossover boxing bout against Floyd Mayweather, which became the second most-grossing combat sports event ever. Interestingly, Mayweather recently launched a $340 million lawsuit against Showtime and former Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza, alleging “financial fraud” and “misappropriated funds” from several of his biggest fights, including the one against McGregor (Bloody Elbow, The Sun). While unrelated to McGregor’s current UFC dealings, this lawsuit highlights the immense financial stakes involved in events featuring “The Notorious.”
The prospect of McGregor fighting on a “UFC White House event” card suggests a high-profile platform for his comeback, potentially aligning with the ongoing contract discussions and the UFC’s strategic shift in content delivery. The exact timing and opponent remain unconfirmed, but the gears are clearly turning for one of combat sports’ biggest stars.
Conor McGregor’s return is not merely a fight; it represents a pivotal moment for the UFC as it navigates new media partnerships and seeks to leverage its most bankable star to maintain momentum and viewership in a rapidly evolving combat sports landscape.