Introduction
The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) never remains static — stars fade, new champions rise, and legends often contemplate a return. Few names carry as much weight as Conor McGregor. His career, marked by rapid ascents, dominant wins, brutal losses, and long lay-offs, continues to spark debate among fans and analysts alike: Is he still going to fight? Is he preparing physically with rigorous training? How old is he now — and is age against him? On the other end, there’s Islam Makhachev, the current force to reckon with — and the man many believe stands in McGregor’s way should he return. This article examines all these angles: McGregor’s fight status, training routines, age, and the possibility of a clash with Makhachev.
Who is Conor McGregor — A Quick Recap
Conor McGregor emerged as one of the most charismatic, controversial, and successful stars in MMA history. Known for his brash confidence, striking ability, and marketability, he became the first UFC fighter to secure knockout wins in three divisions: featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight.
McGregor’s last official fight inside the octagon came on July 10, 2021, when he faced Dustin Poirier in their trilogy bout. Unfortunately, the fight ended early because of a serious leg injury suffered by McGregor.
Since then, his journey has involved ups and downs, including fight cancellations, injuries, and suspensions — but also deep rumblings about a potential comeback.
Does Conor McGregor Still Fight? — Current Status & Plans
Long Layoff, Recent Struggles
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McGregor hasn’t fought since 2021, following the injury that ended his last fight.
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Later, he was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 (2024), but the bout was called off when McGregor sustained a foot (toe) injury during training.
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More recently, McGregor has been under an 18-month suspension for “whereabouts failures” (missed drug tests), issued in October 2025. The suspension is retroactive, clearing him to fight again by March 2026.
Training & Comeback Talk
Despite all obstacles, McGregor is reportedly back in the gym — and “locked in,” according to his coach. The plan? A return at the rumored UFC White House event planned for mid-2026.
McGregor has himself hinted at lofty ambitions. Beyond just returning, he’s chasing what no fighter has done before — a “triple crown”: winning UFC titles in three different weight divisions.
Still, optimism about the comeback is tempered by real concerns: injuries, long layoff, and recent suspension.
Lifting Weights? Training & Physical Readiness
While official details about a regimented weight-lifting or strength program are limited, there are strong signs that McGregor is recommitting to training:
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His coach recently confirmed they have already begun a training program in preparation for 2026.
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According to reports, McGregor is showing up early to the gym and reportedly splitting training between the gym and home sessions.
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As MMA demands not just cardio and technique but also strength, power, and durability — especially after serious injuries — weight training / resistance work would almost certainly be part of any legitimate comeback plan.
However, no verified source publicly shares details like body-fat percentage, exact lifting routine, or strength stats. Until there’s official confirmation (via gym footage or statements), it remains speculative to claim “he’s lifting weights like a pro again.”
Nevertheless — considering his determination, history, and statements from his camp — it’s plausible that McGregor is building strength and conditioning in preparation for a return.
How Old Is Conor McGregor — Age & What It Means For a Comeback
As of 2025, Conor McGregor is 37 years old.
In MMA, 37 is an age where many fighters begin to feel the wear and tear. Recovery rates decline, reflexes can slightly slow, and injuries carry more weight (both figuratively and literally).
But age is just a number — and experience counts. McGregor has shown in the past how a seasoned fighter can combine technique, fight IQ, power, and timing to overcome many disadvantages.
Whether 37 will be a hurdle or just another stat depends on how well he recovers, trains, and adapts to changes in speed and strength. Given that his camp is reportedly building a comeback program, age may slow him down — but it might not necessarily stop him.
Islam Makhachev: The Obstacle Standing in McGregor’s Way
The man who many believe could block McGregor’s path back to glory is Islam Makhachev. Here’s the current status and why he matters.
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Makhachev recently secured the 170-pound (welterweight) title at UFC 322 — defeating Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025, thereby affirming his dominance at this weight.
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The champion has publicly expressed that he believes McGregor will “never fight again.” He said: “Khabib broke his mind … This guy never come back.”
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Makhachev specifically dismissed the possibility of McGregor appearing at the 2026 White House card, suggesting that even though McGregor trains, he doesn’t expect him to make the walk again.
In short: Makhachev stands not just as the current welterweight champion, but as a critical gatekeeper to any potential McGregor “triple crown” dream.
The Debate: Can McGregor Make a Comeback & Beat Makhachev?
This is perhaps the most polarizing question among fans, analysts, and fighters. There’s a mix of optimism, skepticism, and outright doubt. Below are arguments on both sides.
Why a Comeback Could Work
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Motivation & Mindset: McGregor has publicly declared his ambition to fight again, chase the “triple crown,” and compete on the White House card. That ambition suggests mental readiness and focus.
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Training: With his coach confirming active training and a structured program underway, there are signs McGregor is committed to regaining fitness.
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Experience & Skill: McGregor’s history — holding knockout victories in multiple weight classes — shows versatility. If he can manage his health and base fitness, his fight IQ could still make him dangerous.
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Legacy Motivation: The idea of becoming the first three-division UFC champion is a potent motivator. Legacy pushes many veteran fighters to overcome physical decline and stay competitive.
Why It Might Be Unlikely / Risky
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Age & Injuries: At 37, recovering from a serious leg break (2021) and a recent foot injury adds complexity. Speed, reflexes, and durability may not be the same.
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Layoff & Ring Rust: A long absence — nearly five years — can degrade timing and sharpness. MMA evolves quickly; new champions and fighting styles emerge.
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Anti-doping Suspension: Missing three drug-tests leading to an 18-month ban hampers competitive momentum.
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Top-Level Opposition: Makhachev isn’t just any fighter — he is the bona fide welterweight champion, currently dominant, confident, and dismissive of McGregor’s return.
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Psychological Shadow: Makhachev (and others) argue that McGregor’s previous rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov, left lasting mental scars — doubts about McGregor’s will to fight at top form again.
What’s Next? — What Fans & Analysts Should Watch
If McGregor returns to fight in 2026 (as his camp suggests), here are key aspects to monitor:
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Official clearance post-suspension: With the 18-month ban over by March 2026, all eyes will be on whether the UFC formally books him.
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Fight card announcement (possibly the White House event): If he returns for that event, it will be a major global spectacle and a test of whether McGregor’s drawing power remains intact.
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Physical condition & training footage: As of now, only statements from his camp exist. Real indicators will be visible conditioning, sparring footage, or medically cleared weight & health checks.
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Opponent & weight class: Will he aim for welterweight again — potentially against Makhachev — or opt for lighter weight classes? The choice will affect his competitiveness significantly.
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Public & fan reaction: A lot depends on whether fans believe he can still bring elite-level performances. Confidence, hype, and support matter, especially for a legacy fighter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Conor McGregor officially retired?
Not currently. While McGregor has retired in the past, as of late 2025 he is not retired — his team is actively discussing a comeback for 2026.
Q2: When was McGregor’s last fight?
His most recent fight was on July 10, 2021, against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 — a fight that ended early due to McGregor suffering a broken leg.
Q3: How old is Conor McGregor now?
He is 37 years old (as of 2025).
Q4: Is McGregor training or lifting weights for a comeback?
Yes — according to his coach, they’ve begun a structured training programme gearing up toward a possible fight in 2026. It is highly likely that weight training, strength, conditioning, and recovery work are part of the regimen — though detailed publicly-verified specifics are not available yet.
Q5: Will McGregor fight Islam Makhachev?
It’s a possibility being discussed. McGregor himself has named Makhachev as a target if he returns. That said, Makhachev has openly dismissed McGregor’s chances of returning, calling McGregor out — suggesting he doesn’t expect him back.
Q6: What hurdles does McGregor face to make a successful comeback?
Major hurdles include age, past injuries (broken leg, foot injuries), prolonged inactivity (ring rust), an anti-doping suspension, and the fact that top competition (like Makhachev) is evolving.
Conclusion
Conor McGregor remains one of the most polarizing — and compelling — figures in modern MMA. As of 2025, he has not been retired — instead, he appears to be in a state of preparation for a potential return in 2026. His team is reportedly back in training, aiming for a big comeback at the rumored UFC White House event.
At 37, McGregor’s age and history of injuries won’t make the road easy. Yet, his ambition, experience, and mental drive — combined with a possible new chapter — make the possibility real enough to keep fans excited.
However, if there’s one name that could block that comeback — it’s Islam Makhachev. The current welterweight champion stands in prime form, confident, and dismissive of McGregor’s comeback hopes.
Ultimately, whether McGregor returns — and whether he can reclaim UFC glory — remains uncertain. 2026 could be a pivotal year for “The Notorious.” Until then, all eyes remain on training updates, UFC announcements, and possibly the biggest fight card in recent memory.
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