Conor McGregor, the former two-weight UFC champion, is a name synonymous with greatness inside the cage. However, after nearly four years away from the octagon, it appears that the Irishman has turned his focus elsewhere, leaving fans wondering if his UFC career is truly over. McGregor’s last appearance in the cage was back in July 2021 at UFC 264, where he faced Dustin Poirier in a trilogy bout. The night ended in devastating fashion for McGregor, as he suffered a broken leg in the final moments of the first round. Despite the severe injury, McGregor remained determined, vowing that he would make the greatest comeback in MMA history and return to the cage by the end of 2022.

That comeback, however, never materialized. McGregor did stay involved in the UFC by coaching against Michael Chandler on The Ultimate Fighter in 2023, but the two never faced off in the cage as initially planned. The prospect of a fight between McGregor and Chandler in the main event of UFC 303 last summer was derailed due to McGregor suffering a toe injury just weeks before the event. While McGregor had hoped to reschedule the fight for December, it was Chandler who went on to face Charles Oliveira instead.

As 2024 came and went, UFC President Dana White had suggested that McGregor could make his return to the cage in the fall. However, McGregor’s recent actions suggest that he has no immediate plans to return to the octagon. Instead, he has shifted his attention to a new and unexpected venture: politics. In early 2025, McGregor made the surprise announcement that he would run for the President of Ireland. This announcement came after months of speculation and public back-and-forth exchanges between McGregor and various Irish politicians.

In a recent interview at a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) press conference, McGregor was asked about his future in the UFC. He made it clear that, for the time being, fighting is not his top priority. While McGregor indicated that he could see himself returning to the octagon under the right circumstances and for the right financial offer, he stated that his focus is currently on his political ambitions.

McGregor revealed that he still has two fights left on his UFC contract and that negotiations are ongoing. “Like I’ve said, I’ve got two fights left on the contract and I’m in negotiations,” he explained. However, he emphasized that a recent trip to the White House had shifted his priorities. “My heart bleeds for my country right now,” McGregor said, expressing his deep concern for Ireland. “There’s a lot of stuff going on back home. I’m happy with what I’ve done, you know? There’s something else for me, that’s in my view right now. So, we’ll see.”

It is evident from his words that McGregor is not rushing back into the cage. He acknowledged that greatness doesn’t rush and that he is in no hurry to return to fighting. He mentioned that there was a recent opportunity to fight at Alcatraz, which was offered by Turki Alalshikh, but the deal did not meet his expectations. “It wasn’t my worth,” McGregor said about the offer. For McGregor, everything has to be right for him to step back into the cage, and right now, Ireland is where his attention lies.

McGregor’s comments raise questions about his future in the UFC. Given his legacy and his ongoing influence on the sport, fans are naturally curious about whether he will fight again. While McGregor has not ruled out the possibility of returning to the octagon, it seems that he is content with what he has accomplished in his career thus far. His transition to politics signals a major shift in his life and his ambitions, and for now, it appears that McGregor is focused on making a difference in his home country.

This move into the political arena is not entirely unexpected, as McGregor has always been a polarizing figure, known for his brash personality and outspoken views. He has frequently used his platform to express his opinions on various issues, and his desire to serve his country as president is in line with his larger-than-life persona. Whether or not McGregor’s political aspirations come to fruition remains to be seen, but it is clear that he is committed to making an impact in Ireland.

For UFC fans, the idea of McGregor returning to the cage is still a tantalizing possibility, but it now seems secondary to his political ambitions. The fighter who once dominated the UFC and became a global superstar is now contemplating a new chapter in his life. Whether McGregor will return to the octagon or pursue his political career remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: McGregor’s future is in his hands, and he is not rushing into any decisions. The question now is whether the allure of the cage will be enough to bring him back or if his political aspirations will take precedence in the years to come.