Conor McGregor appears closer than ever to returning to the UFC Octagon. According to Ariel Helwani, McGregor recently held a meeting with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and it reportedly “went well.” While nothing is official, the discussions signal that a comeback could be on the horizon.
McGregor was last seen in action five years ago. The bout didn’t end up well, and he suffered a devastating leg injury against Dustin Poirier in 2021. Since then, fans and analysts alike have speculated about his next fight, with various timelines floated but none confirmed. The positive meeting with the UFC, however, seems to have reignited hopes of a clear path forward, both for McGregor and for the promotion, which continues to rely heavily on his drawing power.
Conor McGregor looks set to return during International Fight Week
While speaking during show, Ariel Helwani revealed Conor McGregor’s return is closer than ever. While speaking about McGregor and said:
“Something disastrous would have had to have happened if he hadn’t been fighting on July 11. They need this now more than ever.”
🚨👀 Per Ariel Helwani, Conor McGregor recently had a meeting with the UFC which “went well” and could be returning at International Fight Week this summer.
“Something disastrous would have had to have happened if he’s not fighting on July 11. They need this now more than ever.”… pic.twitter.com/eu6iDOSBGw
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) March 23, 2026
His words underline the expectation that Conor McGregor’s comeback is imminent, with International Fight Week serving as the most likely stage. The UFC has historically leveraged this event to feature major stars, making it a fitting platform for McGregor’s highly anticipated return.
Despite his absence, McGregor remains the organization’s biggest pay-per-view draw. His presence alone is enough to boost ticket sales, media coverage, and overall interest. Even after years away from competition, his name generates headlines and excitement unmatched by most fighters in the sport. That’s part of why the UFC reportedly prioritized this meeting and why fans are watching every development closely.
Of course, nothing is certain until contracts are signed and fight announcements are made. McGregor’s history of delays and sudden changes means caution is still warranted. Yet the combination of a positive meeting, a target date, and Helwani’s confidence makes it feel different this time.
For fans, fighters, and the promotion alike, the prospect of seeing McGregor back in the Octagon is no longer just a rumor; it’s a tangible possibility, and the countdown to July 11 could already be started.
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