Former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor is facing growing skepticism from fans about his long-awaited return to mixed martial arts. The Irish superstar, whose electrifying persona helped elevate the UFC to global prominence, hasn’t stepped into the Octagon since a gruesome leg break ended his 2021 trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. A planned comeback against Michael Chandler in 2024 also collapsed due to a training injury, leaving McGregor’s fighting future shrouded in uncertainty.
Now, as speculation swirls about a potential return, a recently leaked training clip has sparked fresh doubts about whether the 36-year-old still possesses the sharpness that once made him unstoppable.
Fans question Conor McGregor’s readiness after leaked session
McGregor’s social media activity has always been a mix of bravado and showmanship, but his latest training video—a blurry, 30-second clip—has done little to reassure supporters. While some loyalists clung to hope that the footage hinted at an imminent announcement, others dissected the tape with a critical eye. Concerns ranged from his perceived lack of explosiveness to awkward footwork, with veteran fight analysts noting that McGregor’s movements lacked the precision that defined his prime.
The video, reportedly filmed at his Dublin gym, shows the former two-division champ shadowboxing and drilling combinations. However, critics argue that his timing appeared off, and his signature fluidity seemed replaced by hesitant, mechanical strikes. “He looks like he’s going through the motions,” one fan commented, while others compared the clip to older training sessions where McGregor’s speed and accuracy were unmistakable.
This isn’t the first time Conor McGregor’s training snippets have raised questions. During his recovery from the leg fracture, he posted rehab-focused content, but this latest glimpse into his camp feels different. With no official fight date in sight, even die-hard supporters are wondering if the Irishman’s years away from competition—coupled with his ventures outside MMA—have dulled the edge that once made him a phenom.
A pattern of delays and diminished hype
McGregor’s hiatus has been marked by false starts. His scheduled bout with Chandler, initially slated for 2024, was scrapped after another injury setback. Chandler, meanwhile, has moved on, suffering losses to Charles Oliveira and Paddy Pimblett but remaining open to a McGregor showdown if the stars align. “I’ll always answer the call,” Chandler said recently, though the matchup now feels like a relic of past hype cycles.
The UFC, too, has remained uncharacteristically quiet. Despite Conor McGregor’s star power, promotion president Dana White has offered no updates, fueling theories that the organization is hesitant to bank on a fighter whose recent record (1-3 since 2018) and lifestyle choices—whiskey brands, acting roles, and viral controversies—have overshadowed his athletic prime.
What’s next for “The Notorious”?
McGregor’s legacy is secure: first UFC dual-weight champion, record-breaking pay-per-view sales, and a cultural footprint few athletes match. But legacy doesn’t win fights. At 36, in a sport that chews up and spits out aging stars, the window for a triumphant return is narrowing. Training videos alone won’t silence the doubters—only a signed contract and a dominant performance can do that.
For now, fans are left parsing pixels in grainy clips, clinging to hope that the old Conor McGregor magic still exists. But as the chorus of skepticism grows louder, one thing is clear: until he steps back into the cage, the questions—and the raised eyebrows—will only multiply.