Conor McGregor’s long-anticipated UFC return appears to be gathering momentum, and his latest training footage suggests serious intent. The former two-weight champion has enlisted the help of a significantly taller sparring partner as he intensifies preparations for a comeback.
Eoin Sheridan, an unbeaten welterweight standing at 6-foot-5, has joined McGregor for striking rounds. The nine-inch height gap presents a clear physical challenge, signaling that McGregor is deliberately testing himself against size and reach advantages inside the gym.
Posting clips to social media, McGregor showcased sharp combinations in close quarters before whipping a spinning kick toward Sheridan’s head. Additional images showed the Irishman landing a trademark left hand and a crisp leg kick despite the height disparity.
"Sparring the 7-foot sheriff of Ireland," McGregor posted, highlighting the physical mismatch with characteristic flair.
Familiar faces, serious intent
Sheridan, who holds a 4-0 professional record and has competed in the Professional Fighters League, is also affiliated with Conor McGregor’s SBG Ireland gym. The partnership reflects a controlled but competitive environment as McGregor builds toward a potential return.
The 37-year-old has not fought in the UFC since 2021 and has endured a difficult stretch, losing four of his last five bouts — including two defeats to Dustin Poirier and one to Khabib Nurmagomedov. Despite that record, McGregor insists he is fully committed to a comeback.
He will become eligible to compete again after March 20, when his ban from the Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD) for “whereabouts failures” expires. While UFC president Dana White has ruled out a proposed bout with Michael Chandler for the June 14 White House card, McGregor’s training updates continue to fuel speculation.
In recent footage, he was overheard saying, "Stop resisting," while applying a submission during training. He has also declared: "Camp 100%, this is. We are going in 100%. I am going into this fight 100% Conor McGregor. Not 92%. 100% Conor McGregor."
With no official opponent yet named, McGregor’s message is clear — the comeback campaign is underway.