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'The One, The Only': Former Two-Division UFC Champion Conor McGregor Teases Comeback

Could MMA fans see a Conor McGregor comeback fight this year?

Zain Bando

Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Out of a multitude of storylines that will emerge this year, arguably the biggest is whether former UFC double-champion Conor McGregor finally returns to the Octagon to end a nearly four-year absence from combat sports.

McGregor Teases Comeback On Social Media

McGregor, who has yet to win back-to-back fights since 2016, took to 'X' (formerly Twitter) to hint as a potential announcement.

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"The One, The Only," McGregor wrote Saturday alongside hashtags signifying he is itching for a return fight this year.

If he were to return to the UFC, the major question that remains is who he would fight.

McGregor was scheduled to headline UFC 303 opposite TUF 31 coach Michael Chandler last June. The fight didn't materialize, however, as McGregor suffered a toe injury weeks prior to the event.

Chandler was removed from the card entirely, and he would eventually rematch Charles Oliveira five months later.

'The One, The Only': Former Two-Division UFC Champion Conor McGregor Teases Comeback
Jul 10, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor is carried off a stretcher following an injury suffered against Dustin Poirier during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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McGregor is not likely to return any time soon, as he is going through well-documented legal trouble.

McGregor tried to set the record straight following the November news, but was met with backlash from his fanbase.

"People want to hear from me. I needed time," McGregor wrote on X. "I know I made mistakes. Six years ago, I should have never responded to her outreaches. I should have shut the party down. I should never have stepped out on the woman I love the most in the world. That’s all on me."

The UFC has remained relatively silent on the news, with no disciplinary action as a promotion taken at present from UFC CEO Dana White.

'The One, The Only': Former Two-Division UFC Champion Conor McGregor Teases Comeback
March 8, 2024; Austin TX; Conor McGregor arrives at the red carpet before the premiere of Roadhouse at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas on the first day of South by Southwest, Friday, March 8, 2024. / [NETWORK PROPERTY]-USA TODAY NETWORK

"What do you mean, what's my reaction?” White asked reporters last month. "If I had a comment, I would've put it out already.”

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White remained grim on McGregor, revealing that his return would be this year if he were to get booked at some point.

For now, the waiting game continues.

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer for MMA Knockout, part of the Sports Illustrated/Minute Media umbrella. He has covered combat sports since 2019 for notable outlets BJPenn.com and FanSided MMA. He also co-hosts a podcast called "The MMA Outsiders," part of the Empty The Bench Podcast Network, which airs Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. A Chicago suburban native, Bando has been enthralled with MMA since 2006 and has been fortunate to attend some of the most high-profile events in the sport's history, both as a fan and media member, including UFC 264, Bellator 297 and Kayla Harrison's PFL MMA debut. He is excited to take the next step in his combat sports writing journey and looks forward to continuing his following of the fight game for years to come. Bando can be reached via email at zainbando99@gmail.com or by social media @zainbando99

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