Gable Steveson Teases Conor McGregor's UFC Return for International Fight Week

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson hints at a 'crazy headliner' for his UFC debut at UFC 329 during International Fight Week.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:52pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a fractured, multi-perspective view of a UFC fight scene, with sharp geometric shapes and bold, clashing colors that capture the raw energy and intensity of mixed martial arts competition.The anticipated return of UFC superstar Conor McGregor could electrify the upcoming International Fight Week event, as hinted by rising prospect Gable Steveson.Los Angeles Today

Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist with just three pro MMA fights, has officially signed with the UFC and will make his debut at UFC 329 during International Fight Week. In a recent interview, Steveson teased the possibility of a 'crazy headliner' returning for the event, leading to speculation that former UFC double champion Conor McGregor could make his long-awaited comeback at the high-profile event.

Why it matters

McGregor's return would be a major draw for the UFC, as he is one of the promotion's biggest stars. His presence on the card could significantly boost viewership and attention, which would benefit the other fighters on the card as well. Steveson's debut is also highly anticipated, as the Olympic gold medalist looks to make a splash in the UFC with his first fight.

The details

Steveson, who has a perfect 3-0 record in his professional MMA career, expressed his excitement about his upcoming UFC debut, saying 'This is going to be the biggest debut on earth, and I'm ready.' He also hinted at a 'crazy headliner' returning for the event, leading many to speculate that it could be Conor McGregor. McGregor has been out of action for nearly five years, with his last fight being a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021 due to a leg injury. The former two-division champion has been teasing a comeback for some time, and a return at International Fight Week would be a massive event for the UFC.

  • Gable Steveson will make his UFC debut at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, which is part of International Fight Week.
  • Conor McGregor's last fight was a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

The players

Gable Steveson

An Olympic gold medalist with a 3-0 professional MMA record, who has signed with the UFC and will make his debut at UFC 329.

Conor McGregor

A former two-division UFC champion who has been out of action for nearly five years, but has been heavily teasing a comeback.

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What they’re saying

“Man, I feel amazing. This is going to be the biggest debut on earth, and I'm ready. The butterflies, the jitters. It's all part of the game, and I'm ready to take that big step to the UFC and do what I need to do.”

— Gable Steveson

“Man, I think International Fight Week is going to be crazy. You know, maybe a crazy headliner that might come back that you guys might know, so who knows?”

— Gable Steveson

“Max Holloway ain't playing games. Frontrunner, Max Holloway, Conor McGregor, he is confirming it right then and there. There haven't been any other rumors about his return, so I think the UFC recognizes that they have got the biggest star back...”

— Ariel Helwani, MMA Journalist

What’s next

The UFC has yet to officially announce Conor McGregor's opponent or confirm his return at UFC 329 during International Fight Week. Gable Steveson's debut opponent also remains unknown at this time.

The takeaway

Gable Steveson's UFC debut and the potential return of Conor McGregor at the same event during International Fight Week have generated significant buzz and anticipation among MMA fans. The presence of a major star like McGregor could provide a significant boost to the event and the exposure of other fighters on the card.