A Return Teasing the Fans
Conor McGregor may be gearing up for a long-awaited UFC return. The 37-year-old Irish star, who hasn’t fought since July 2021 due to a broken leg in his second loss to Dustin Poirier, has appeared on massive Times Square billboards promoting the UFC’s new broadcasting deal with Paramount+. The promotion’s move to an all-access subscription model, ditching the traditional pay-per-view system, puts McGregor front and centre as the face of the campaign.
Sharing a photo of the billboard on social media, McGregor wrote: “It will be my great honour to ‘MAKE UFC GREAT AGAIN!’ Only on @paramountplus.” Fans are already speculating that this is more than just marketing—an early hint that McGregor could be set to return to the Octagon.
Cleared to Fight Again
McGregor’s path back into the cage has faced some hurdles. He served an 18-month backdated suspension after missing three drug tests, which he accepted in October 2025. That suspension officially ends on 20 March 2026, making him eligible to compete once more.
The Irishman was originally scheduled to fight Michael Chandler in June 2024 but withdrew due to a broken toe, and while he has called a fight with Chandler a “done deal” for the upcoming White House card, the UFC has yet to officially confirm it. McGregor has also publicly expressed his desire to headline the much-anticipated event this summer, teasing fans with the possibility of a blockbuster comeback.
Off the Mat and Into Headlines
Outside the cage, McGregor has kept busy and controversial. He briefly pursued the presidency of Ireland this year but abandoned the bid, calling the country’s eligibility rules a “straitjacket.” He has also faced ongoing legal battles, most notably a civil case stemming from a 2018 accusation, which found him liable for assault. McGregor continues to deny the allegations.
Despite the drama outside the Octagon, his influence in MMA remains undeniable. With Times Square lighting up with his image and eligibility to fight restored, McGregor’s return could be one of the biggest moments in UFC history.
