“I changed the FIGHT game. I changed the WHISKEY game…Now it’s time to change the CRYPTO game. This is just the beginning,” Conor McGregor wrote in a dramatic, over-the-top social media post on Instagram yesterday. The UFC superstar’s latest venture saw him dip into the world of digital currency, endorsing a cryptocurrency he had launched just a day earlier. As the Irishman speculated about his future political ambitions in Ireland, this move into crypto seemed like another bold step in McGregor’s ever-evolving brand. The coin, named “$REAL” was launched through a sealed-bid auction in collaboration with The Real World Gaming, tasked with overseeing the platform and protecting token holders.

But despite the hype, things didn’t quite get as “real” as the Irishman and his collaborators had hoped. The project had set an ambitious presale target of $3.6 million, with a $1 million minimum needed to officially launch. However, within the 28-hour presale window, it raised only 39% of the $1 million minimum—a disappointing outcome that signaled an early setback.

As reported by ACD MMA on X: “Conor McGregor’s meme coin $REAL has officially flopped and has failed to launch ❌ It didn’t raise enough money to hit its minimum raise of $1M (it didn’t even raise half of that). People who bought in on the coin are now waiting on refunds.”

The Real World Gaming soon confirmed this report themselves. In a candid post on X, they wrote: “We need to be real. We didn’t hit our minimum raise. All bids will be refunded. This is not the end.” With investors already pulling their money out and the launch effectively dead in the water, Conor McGregor responded to the fallout with a short but pointed message on X: “Ladies and gentlemen, this is REAL!”

The Irishman now joins the list of UFC stars whose crypto ventures have ended in disappointment. Before him, Khamzat Chimaev’s notorious pump-and-dump meme coin SMASH left fans feeling duped—though ‘Borz’ later insisted he had no involvement or awareness of the scheme. The only saving grace for Conor McGregor’s fans is that $REAL will issue full refunds—a rare move that provides some relief, especially in comparison to previous UFC crypto flops. So, what comes next for $REAL? Will the coin rise from the ashes as The Real World Gaming has suggested? Or is this the end of McGregor’s crypto experiment? For now, it’s a waiting game.

Meanwhile, talk of a different kind of comeback is building. Conor McGregor still has two fights left on his UFC contract, and according to sources, he’s pushing to fulfill those obligations quickly—eager to wrap things up and move on, perhaps to focus on new ventures or even politics. As he puts it, he wants to make his exit with God’s speed. But can his long-awaited Octagon return live up to the hype? That’s the question—let’s hear what the experts have to say.

Chael Sonnen gives his honest take on Conor McGregor’s potential return

Nearly four years have passed since Conor McGregor last set foot inside the Octagon. Earlier this month, fans were met with a whirlwind of emotions as the Irishman finally opened up about the two remaining fights on his UFC contract. He hinted at honoring those commitments and even confirmed his intentions during an appearance at BKFC Hollywood.

However, the Irishman also signaled that this comeback could mark the end of his MMA journey. At the BKFC 70 presser, he revealed that his heart now “bleeds” for Ireland. Moreover, the former double champ also expressed his desire to run for the nation’s President. The announcement left fans torn—excited by the prospect of seeing him fight again, yet saddened by the possibility of it being his final run.

But not everyone is sold on Conor McGregor’s return. Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen believes the long layoff may have taken too big a toll. Sharing his thoughts on his YouTube channel, Sonnen said, “I’m not declaring that the company wouldn’t book him. I’m not declaring that he can’t still command and still drive, that the world would not be interested in. I just feel that he is making it very clear to us that he is not interested. There is not an athlete under contract with the UFC that Conor can beat. The least experienced 155-pounder would clean him up… he would be the worst in the entire division.”

Coming off the heels of his failed $REAL meme coin launch, many are now questioning whether McGregor’s next move will deliver. Inside or outside the cage! So, what’s your take? Can the Irishman still make waves in the Octagon? Or will this comeback go the same route as his crypto crash? Sound off in the comments below.