Conor McGregor's UFC Comeback Reportedly Delayed Until Late 2026

Former champion Chael Sonnen doubts McGregor will fight at UFC 329 in July as rumored.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:03pm

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An abstract painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes and splatters that evoke the raw power and intensity of a mixed martial arts match, conceptually representing the anticipated return of Conor McGregor to the UFC octagon.An abstract, energetic illustration captures the anticipated return of one of MMA's biggest stars, Conor McGregor, whose comeback fight may be delayed until late 2026.Las Vegas Today

According to former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen, Conor McGregor's highly anticipated comeback fight is more likely to happen in November at Madison Square Garden in New York City, rather than during International Fight Week in July as some have speculated. Sonnen expressed doubts about the July timeline, suggesting McGregor's return could be pushed back four months from the originally rumored UFC 329 event.

Why it matters

McGregor is one of the biggest draws in MMA, and his return from a serious leg injury suffered in his last fight against Dustin Poirier has been highly anticipated by fans. The timing of his comeback could have major implications for the UFC's pay-per-view schedule and fight card lineups later this year.

The details

Sonnen stated during a Q&A that he believes the 'most likely date' for McGregor's return is November at Madison Square Garden, rather than the previously rumored UFC 329 event in July. McGregor had also expressed interest in fighting at the White House, but that plan did not materialize. The leading candidate to face McGregor at UFC 329 was reported to be Max Holloway, but Sonnen cast doubt on that timeline coming to fruition.

  • McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021.
  • McGregor was previously targeted to face Michael Chandler following their coaching stints on The Ultimate Fighter, but that bout was scrapped after McGregor suffered a broken toe.

The players

Conor McGregor

A former two-division UFC champion who is one of the biggest stars in MMA. He is planning a comeback from a serious leg injury suffered in his last fight.

Chael Sonnen

A former UFC fighter and current MMA analyst who expressed doubts about the timeline for McGregor's return fight.

Max Holloway

A former UFC featherweight champion who was reported to be the leading candidate to face McGregor at UFC 329.

Michael Chandler

A former Bellator champion who was previously targeted to fight McGregor after they coached opposing teams on The Ultimate Fighter.

Dustin Poirier

The fighter who defeated McGregor in their trilogy fight at UFC 264, where McGregor suffered a broken leg.

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What they’re saying

“I want Conor to come back. I do believe Conor is gonna come back.”

— Chael Sonnen, Former UFC Fighter

“I do not think he's gonna fight International Fight Week. I do believe that Conor wants to return. I believe he's going to return. I believe the most likely date if we look at the calendar right now — and this is a guess because many people are saying International Fight Week. I think if you look at the calendar as is, what spot do you insert McGregor into? I believe November at Madison Square Garden is currently the leading proposition.”

— Chael Sonnen, Former UFC Fighter

What’s next

Fans will have to wait until at least November to see if Conor McGregor can make his long-awaited return to the UFC octagon, with Madison Square Garden in New York City emerging as the likely venue according to Chael Sonnen's analysis.

The takeaway

Conor McGregor's comeback fight has been a source of speculation, but former UFC star Chael Sonnen believes the timeline has been pushed back from the rumored July date to a more likely November return at Madison Square Garden. This delay highlights the challenges in McGregor's recovery and the UFC's efforts to book a high-profile comeback fight for the former two-division champion.