Conor McGregor sent a shockwave through the world of mixed martial arts when he dropped a major hint regarding his retirement. Most fight fans already knew that it was inevitable. Yet, the fighting community was waiting for an Iron Man to come forth and save the day. But alas! This is no Marvel movie where superheroes can save us from the inevitable. And now, McGregor’s fans were forced to take another blow. 

It does seem like ‘The Notorious’ was serious about moving on from the realm of mixed martial arts. At the post-fight press conference for BKFC 70 in Hollywood, the Irishman said, “Last week something happened to me. I went to the White House, and my heart bleeds for my country right now. So there’s a lot of stuff going on back home, I’m happy with what I’ve done. There’s something else for me that’s in my gut right now and that’s kind of where I’m going. So we’ll see, greatness doesn’t rush. And right now Ireland is in my thoughts and that’s where I’m at.”

The famed MMA journalist, Jed I. Goodman, took to X and shared a long list of names with at least 2 drug tests done in 2025. He quoted, “The #UFC Anti-Doping Test History database has been updated. (Updated Mar 28). 637 fighters tested in 2025. 955 total samples collected year to date.” And as we suspected, the former double champion’s name was missing from the list. Even on ufcantidoping.com, McGregor’s name was absent from the list of test history. 

This does reflect on what Conor McGregor said about having to refuse an event. He said, “There was an opportunity or a deal, we’ll say, to fight in Alcatraz only recently. There’s an event going on in Alcatraz in, I believe, June. They came to me and it wasn’t my worth.” But hope is a powerful thing, and it can shine through the darkest of spaces. Just like the sliver of hope that McGregor shone through, hinting at his probable return. 

Conor McGregor teases MMA realm with a dream to return to the UFC

Addressing the media at BKFC Fight Night: Hollywood, ‘The Notorious’ teased that he would return to the Octagon after becoming the next president of Ireland. He turned his imagination on and let the world in on it. He enacted how he would get introduced into the Octagon if he became an Irish President. ‘Mystic Mac’ said, “And now entering the Octagon, ‘The Notorious President of Ireland’, Conor McGregor.’ Woah, f—ing right I will [fight while being President]. Of course! You’re crazy?”

So, entering the ballot and standing up as a presidential candidate for the 2025 Irish elections didn’t mean he was out of UFC for good? Well, it did seem like that’s what McGregor wanted. He said, “That’s the best part of why I want to do it. To be announced as the President of Ireland having a fight. Imagine that. For sure, hell yes.” But looking back at history, no fighter has graced the canvas as a professional fighter while holding a political position. But who knows? It’s the unpredictable Conor McGregor that we’re talking about. 

Nevertheless, Dana White has already admitted that he was moving on from talking about McGregor’s return. While the possibility still remained, he wasn’t really dwelling on it. However, he won’t be without an opponent in the rare case of his return. Possibly, we might get to witness the anticipated war between McGregor and Michael Chandler. But one thing is certain. It’s not happening anytime soon. 

What are your thoughts on ‘Mystic Mac’s retirement plans? Do you think he will ever come back to the UFC and fight the last 2 fights on his contract? Let us know what you think in the commetns down below.