McGregor drops comeback bombshell in deleted post

Conor McGregor has once again stirred speculation about his fighting future after briefly posting, then removing, a statement on social media indicating he has agreed to his next bout.

According to Nick Sutherland of GiveMeSport, the former two division champion wrote on X that he had accepted an opponent and date and was waiting for the contract to finalize the deal. The post was later deleted, but not before reigniting debate about when and where the Irish star might return.

A career paused but not finished

McGregor, 37, has not competed since July 2021, when he lost to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 and suffered a broken lower tibia. The injury required surgery and an extensive rehabilitation process that sidelined one of the sport’s biggest draws.

Since then, McGregor has repeatedly suggested he was close to a comeback. A scheduled fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024 collapsed after McGregor withdrew with a toe injury, further delaying his return.

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Despite the setbacks, his name has remained central to UFC promotional conversations, largely because of his commercial impact and pay per view drawing power.

Suspension timeline nearing its end

Another obstacle has been an 18 month suspension stemming from an anti doping violation. That period is due to expire on March 20, clearing McGregor to compete again if a bout agreement is finalized.

In the deleted message, McGregor wrote, "I have been offered an opponent and a date and I accept. Waiting on my contract."

He has also previously questioned elements of his UFC contract, at one stage describing it as "void" in relation to changes in the organization’s pay per view structure.

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Spotlight on Washington event

The timing of the post is notable. Dana White recently confirmed that the UFC has finalized plans for a high profile event on the South Lawn of the White House, scheduled for June 14. The card is intended to coincide with celebrations of America’s 250th birthday and President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.

Trump said the event would feature "the biggest fights they have ever had. Every one’s a championship fight, and everyone’s a legendary type of fighter."

While no official bout featuring McGregor has been announced, his global profile makes him a logical candidate for a marquee event of that scale. Other fighters, including Nate Diaz and Colby Covington, have publicly expressed interest in appearing on the card.

Why this moment matters for the UFC

Whether McGregor ultimately competes in Washington or elsewhere, the approaching end of his suspension creates a clear window for his return. For the UFC, which has evolved significantly during his absence, bringing back one of its most recognizable figures would carry competitive and commercial implications.

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For now, there is no signed contract and no confirmed opponent. But according to GiveMeSport’s reporting, McGregor’s deleted statement represents his clearest indication yet that a comeback is no longer hypothetical, it may simply be a matter of timing.

Sources: GiveMeSport

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