UFC superstar Conor McGregor confirmed rumors he’s planning a return to the Octagon in 2026.
More than four years since Conor McGregor‘s last UFC appearance, the former two-division titleholder remains one of the biggest storylines of modern MMA.
McGregor, who hasn’t fought since injuring his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, has repeatedly teased a fighting comeback in recent years. He was supposed to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 before withdrawing due to injury.
Almost a full year since his UFC 303 withdrawal, McGregor has flip-flopped on a potential return to the cage. But after U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent announcement, McGregor seems more motivated than ever to plot a comeback.
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Conor McGregor responds to BKFC’s David Feldman’s claims about UFC comeback plans
President Trump raised eyebrows at a recent rally when he announced that the UFC plans to host an event on The White House lawn in 2026, to celebrate the United States’ 250th anniversary of the nation’s independence. Many top names have expressed profound interest in fighting on the card almost a full year away from the targeted event.
UFC CEO Dana White has big plans for the unprecedented card, after he recently promised to make a bigger card than his event at the Las Vegas Sphere last year. Afterwards, McGregor shared a three-word reaction alluding to his interest in fighting, but didn’t seem fully committed to the idea of returning.
Bare Knuckle FC president David Feldman made headlines earlier this week when he claimed that McGregor told him in a private conversation that he’s plotting a UFC return.
During a recent interview with The Schmo, McGregor responded to Feldman’s recent claims that he’s back in the UFC’s testing pool and is preparing to go all-in on an MMA comeback.
“I’m going home, going to get the head down, going to rest. They’re testing me, I’m in the pool!” McGregor declared.
“So get ready! And stay ready, because damage will be done! Oval office, White House garden!”
As of this writing, McGregor’s return to the UFC’s testing pool remains uncertain, despite his latest claims. McGregor hasn’t submitted a test in 2025 which could impact his targeted return next July.
McGregor’s comments come just days after he gave White and the UFC an ultimatum regarding a potential comeback fight. He committed to a UFC comeback if the promotion signed his young teammate, Lee Hammond, to a contract.
Jon Jones and Conor McGregor could headline the same card in 2026
McGregor and former UFC heavyweight Jon Jones both appear ready to come out of retirement to fight on the historic card. Jones, who announced his retirement just weeks ago, shared his plans to return to the Octagon almost immediately after President Trump’s announcement.
Jones was stripped of the UFC heavyweight title after his retirement, and Tom Aspinall was promoted to the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight titleholder. Aspinall is expected to return to the Octagon later this year for his first undisputed title defense.
McGregor and Jones, two of the UFC’s all-time greatest pay-per-view assets, could co-headline the UFC White House card in 2026. The coming months will tell a lot about whether or not both fighters are serious about their intended comebacks.