Conor McGregor suggests 2027 return amid injury recovery
McGregor’s Injury and Comeback Attempt
Conor McGregor, 38, recently indicated a potential return to the UFC in 2027, despite an apparent knee injury. McGregor has stated he has an injured ACL and meniscus in his right knee. This announcement follows his recent comeback fight on July 11, which was cut short.
During that bout, McGregor appeared to injure himself after initiating the fight with a flying kick. The welterweight contest against Max Holloway lasted 69 seconds before the referee intervened. McGregor fell three times and clutched his right knee, seemingly in pain, leading to the stoppage.
McGregor’s recent return to action at UFC 329 was described as disappointing. This marked his first in-cage appearance since July 2026, when he sustained a leg injury in a loss to Dustin Poirier. Since his latest injury, McGregor has expressed optimism about fighting again in summer 2027.
Speculation on a 2027 Return
On Monday, July 27, McGregor used an Instagram post to hint at the approximate date of his next UFC fight. He wrote, “What was to be a generational beating is now to be reset. IFW 2027 The Last Dance.” The term “IFW” is understood to refer to International Fight Week, an event typically held in June or July and sponsored by the UFC. “The Last Dance” appears to reference the final fight on his current UFC contract.
Despite McGregor’s public statements, UFC Senior VP of Communications, Lenee Breckenridge, did not respond to inquiries regarding confirmation of McGregor fighting during International Fight Week 2027. Similarly, Holloway’s manager, Tim Simpson, did not immediately reply to messages concerning a potential return match.
McGregor’s pronouncement came just three days after he shared a video of himself performing exercises on a leg extension machine. This video surfaced approximately two weeks after his fight with Holloway. McGregor has not yet undergone surgery for his knee injury, nor has he started physical rehabilitation, according to his own statements.
Dana White’s Comments on McGregor’s Status
UFC CEO Dana White addressed McGregor’s situation on July 18 at UFC Friday Night Fights in Oklahoma City. White stated, “The Conor McGregor discussion isn’t even worth talking about. He’s gotta have knee surgery, he’s going to have to go through physical therapy, it’s all going to take time, then when the doctor says you can start hardcore training again, then we start talking about Conor McGregor again.”
On Sunday, July 26, a reporter questioned White about McGregor’s knee, seemingly referencing the video of McGregor doing leg extensions. White, who was in New York for a boxing card promoted by his company, Zuffa Boxing, responded, “I have no idea. We had him on FaceTime tonight ringside. But you know, Conor McGregor’s out for a year.”
White reiterated this sentiment at a post-Zuffa Boxing event press conference, stating that he doubts McGregor’s video changes the current prognosis. White’s comments suggest that despite McGregor’s apparent efforts to strengthen his knee before surgery, his return timeline remains unchanged. McGregor has not secured a victory since January 2020.
McGregor has previously torn his ACL in a fight against Holloway in 2013, returning to competition nine months later. He expressed optimism that advancements in regenerative medicine and training methods could facilitate his return by next summer.
Source: eu.usatoday.com
