New Conor McGregor sparring video leaks as his comeback fight date and opponent are announced
Some new footage of Conor McGregor getting ready for his UFC comeback has surfaced online after Ariel Helwani confirmed his return fight. It’s been almost five years since McGregor last fought in the UFC, and fans have been eager to see the former two-division champ back in action.
McGregor’s absence has been due to a mix of injuries and an ongoing civil sexual assault lawsuit, but recent rumors say he’s finally gearing up to fight again this year. He was originally scheduled to come back in June 2024, but had to pull out of a bout against Ultimate Fighter rival Michael Chandler because of a toe injury.
Now, MMA reporter Helwani says the UFC is planning McGregor’s comeback for July 11 during the UFC’s international fight week. His likely opponent? Max Holloway, the former featherweight and BMF champ, in a rematch of their very first fight way back in 2013.
While the UFC hasn’t officially announced this fight or any details about McGregor’s return, it looks like he’s already back in training. Clips shared on Instagram by ex-UFC fighter Dong Hyun Kim show McGregor landing a strong body shot on Kim during sparring at the famous SBG Ireland gym.
This recent footage is just another sign McGregor is stepping up his training. Reports say he’s splitting his time between SBG in South Dublin and his own gym at home in County Kildare. He even took part in an exhibition boxing match at the Crumlin Boxing Club’s Good Friday Show earlier this April.
Everything points to McGregor finally returning in July, facing a tough challenge against Holloway at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Also on the same card, Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett is expected to bounce back with a fight against top contender Benoit Saint-Denis after his close loss to Justin Gaethje in the interim lightweight title shot. Meanwhile, Cory Sandhagen will go up against Mario Bautista, and American Olympic gold medal wrestler Gable Steveson might make his highly-anticipated UFC debut, having signed with the organization in April.