Conor McGregor’s long-teased MMA comeback remains as uncertain as ever. Despite reentering the UFC’s drug-testing pool, his four-year absence, a string of retirement claims, and new political aspirations have many convinced his fighting days are done.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier was blunt on Club Shay Shay:
“It’s over for him. Conor McGregor … he’s trippin’. He made way too much money. … He wants the notoriety of being Conor McGregor without having to be Conor McGregor.”
Cormier argued McGregor — who made hundreds of millions from the Floyd Mayweather boxing match, UFC megafights with Khabib Nurmagomedov, and his Proper No. Twelve whiskey sale — no longer has the hunger or necessity to fight.
Staying in the Spotlight
McGregor, now 37, has been accused of using comeback talk and his UFC White House “2026 bid” gimmick as tools to keep his name in the headlines. His constant presence in the media, some say, is cheaper and more effective than paying PR teams.
Retirement speculation has followed him for years, with McGregor even publicly saying “goodbye” to UFC fans on social media. Still, Dana White insists McGregor would headline over even Jon Jones if he fought in 2026, underscoring the Irishman’s enduring star power.
What Next?
McGregor remains unpredictable:
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He has rejoined the USADA testing pool, signalling some intent.
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But after years of broken promises, fans and pundits question if a fight will ever happen.
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His wealth and brand have lowered any financial incentive to risk another Octagon outing.
For now, it’s a waiting game. As Cormier put it: we loved him when he was the man, but the “Notorious” magic might never come back.
