Time moves on, and champions rise and fall, but for fight fans, one question remains stuck in limbo: Will Conor McGregor ever return to the Octagon? It’s been nearly four years since the Irish superstar shattered his leg in the trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264—a brutal injury that many feared might mark the end of his storied career. But despite the long layoff, the Irishman has never wavered in his claims of a comeback, keeping fans on the hook with promises of a return. At one point, those promises looked like they might finally materialize.

The UFC officially announced Conor McGregor vs. Michael Chandler as the main event of UFC 303—a fight fueled by their rivalry on The Ultimate Fighter 31. ‘Iron’ waited patiently, staying in shape and ready for the moment. But as is often the case with ‘The Notorious’, the road back wasn’t smooth. Hollywood projects, business obligations, and lingering USADA complications kept the timeline murky. And just when it felt like the stars had aligned, another curveball—this time, a bizarre “pinkie toe” injury—forced McGregor to pull out, throwing everything back into doubt. So, what’s the truth? Is Conor McGregor officially done with fighting, or is a return still on the horizon? Let’s dive into what UFC insiders are saying about his uncertain future.

What do UFC insiders have to say about Conor McGregor’s return?

At last month’s BKFC Hollywood press conference, Conor McGregor shocked fans by hinting at a possible exit from MMA — despite still having two fights left on his UFC contract. “My heart bleeds for my country right now. I’m happy with what I’ve done; there’s something else for me that’s in my gut right now,” the Irishman said, sparking speculation that he might be eyeing a future in politics. Meanwhile, Michael Chandler — the man who put his prime on pause waiting for McGregor — is charging ahead.

After returning at UFC 309 last fall, he’s now set for another appearance at UFC 314 this week, facing the younger Paddy Pimblett in the co-main event. Despite taking on rising contenders, the American hasn’t let go of the dream: the long-awaited clash with Conor McGregor. Ahead of UFC 314, he vowed, “I’m going to do my job in April and I’ll call out Conor McGregor again.” So far, the Irishman has remained silent. Fans are still clinging to hope for McGregor vs. Chandler, but not everyone’s convinced it’ll happen.

UFC veteran Chael Sonnen believes Conor McGregor has moved on from the fight game. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Sonnen recently said, “When they bring him back, they put him in a main event. All of a sudden you’re asking him to do five rounds…We’ve got a guy who can’t breathe for a full round. This is just a reality, there’s nothing to come back for…there’s no reason to come back.”

Daniel Cormier echoed Sonnen’s sentiment during the same conversation. “He’s done, Chael. It’s over, my brother. Bro, sadly, I’m finally ready to say it.” With two respected veterans casting serious doubt on a McGregor comeback, the writing may be on the wall. His MMA journey — from meteoric rise to sudden stall — is one the sport may never see again. But is this truly the end for Conor McGregor? Let’s take a look back at his legendary run.

Conor McGregor’s long history of ‘retirements’

Although Conor McGregor recently hinted at trading the Octagon for politics, this isn’t the first time the Irish superstar has flirted with retirement. Back in 2016, ahead of his highly anticipated rematch with Nate Diaz at UFC 200, the Irishman shocked fans by announcing he was stepping away from MMA. But just days later, he backtracked in a fiery Facebook post, taking shots at Dana White & Co. and USADA. “For the record,” he wrote, “for USADA and for the UFC and my contract stipulations…”

His second “retirement” came in 2019 via a tweet, where he wished his fellow fighters and “old colleagues well.” But once again, it didn’t stick. By early 2020, Conor McGregor was back — and he made a statement, finishing Donald Cerrone in just 40 seconds at UFC 246. Then came a third retirement in 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. That one didn’t last either. He returned in 2021 for a second bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 257. A fight that ended with ‘The Notorious’ being knocked out.

Fast forward to 2024, and retirement rumors have resurfaced yet again. When a fan on X told Conor McGregor he had nothing left to prove, the Irishman responded with a simple “goodbye”. Once more sparking speculation! But, typically, he was soon linked to a return at UFC 303, only for injury to derail those plans. Now, McGregor is back in the headlines — not just for a potential comeback, but also for his political ambitions.

However, when asked at the recent BKFC 70 post-fight press conference whether he’d continue fighting even if he became President of Ireland, Conor McGregor’s response was classic: “F—-ng right I will, of course, are you crazy? That’s part of why I want to do it,” the Irishman said (h/t The Mac Life). “To be announced as the President of Ireland while having a fight? Imagine that. But for sure — hell yes, hell yes.”

Now, Conor McGregor finds himself at a crossroads: the fight game or politics. What’s your take on the Irishman’s future? Which version of him would you prefer to see — President McGregor or MMA superstar McGregor? Drop your thoughts below!