
Introduction
Conor “The Notorious” McGregor remains one of the most high-profile figures in MMA history. From making UFC history as the first simultaneous two-division champion to weathering setbacks and injury-forced hiatuses, McGregor’s journey continues to spark headlines. This article delves into his current UFC roster status, outlines all six of his MMA losses, and explores whether he’s truly been removed from the roster amidst swirling rumors.
1. Is Conor McGregor Still on the UFC Roster?
Latest Update (August 15, 2025)
Despite conflicting reports, Conor McGregor is still under contract with the UFC. Talented MMA journalist Ariel Helwani confirmed that rumors of his roster removal are false. McGregor has passed multiple drug tests and remains an active member of the roster.
Meanwhile, some publications suggested he was “removed” following the UFC’s Paramount agreement, sparking widespread speculation. However, these reports are deemed inaccurate, as the official status remains unchanged.
2. Conor McGregor’s MMA Loss Record
Conor McGregor holds a professional MMA record of 22 wins and 6 losses. Notably, all six losses were outside the realm of exhibition or boxing bouts.
2.1 Breakdown of Losses (MMA)
From his earliest career to his last appearance:
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Joseph Duffy – Arm-triangle choke at Cage Warriors, 2010
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Nate Díaz – Rear-naked choke at UFC 196 (March 5, 2016)
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Nate Díaz (rematch) – Majority decision loss at UFC 202 (August 20, 2016)
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Khabib Nurmagomedov – Submission (neck crank) at UFC 229 (October 6, 2018)
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Dustin Poirier – TKO (punches) at UFC 257 (January 24, 2021)
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Dustin Poirier (second bout) – Doctor stoppage following leg break at UFC 264 (July 10, 2021)
These six losses span both submission and striking defeats and include some of MMA’s most iconic rivalries.
3. The Comeback, Injury & Hiatus
Conor’s last fight inside the Octagon occurred at UFC 264 on July 10, 2021, where he suffered a severe leg injury against Dustin Poirier. Since then, over four years have passed without a competitive return.
3.1 Training & Teasers of Return
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He has re-entered the UFC’s anti-doping pool, signaling a potential return.
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Teasers include sparring footage from Italy, though critics (like Cris Cyborg) have mocked his pace.
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McGregor has even debuted a Mohawk reminiscent of his 2013 debut, fueling comeback speculation.
3.2 Target Event: UFC White House Card
Conor’s comeback appears aligned with a proposed UFC event at the White House—planned around America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations on July 4, 2026. Dana White and President Trump have both referenced it, and McGregor is reportedly eager to headline.
3.3 Rumors vs. Reality
Though fans remain skeptical due to repeated comeback disappointments, Dana White confirms McGregor remains a viable option for the roster. The roster-removal rumors are unfounded.
4. Impact & Legacy of His Losses
McGregor’s losses, while challenging, came at the hands of elite fighters and did little to diminish his stardom:
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The Duffy loss (2010) came early in his career and is often viewed as a learning moment.
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The Diaz bouts remain among the most talked-about UFC rivalries.
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Khabib’s submission ended with post-fight intensity that rocked MMA’s landscape.
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The two Poirier fights signaled both physical setbacks and the challenges of age and recovery.
Despite these defeats, McGregor remains one of the most marketable fighters in UFC history. Conor McGregor UFC roster.
5. Summary Table: Losses at a Glance
Opponent | Date | Event / Promotion | Method |
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Joseph Duffy | 2010 | Cage Warriors | Submission (arm-triangle choke) |
Nate Díaz | Mar 5 2016 | UFC 196 | Submission (rear-naked choke) |
Nate Díaz (rematch) | Aug 20 2016 | UFC 202 | Decision (majority) |
Khabib Nurmagomedov | Oct 6 2018 | UFC 229 | Submission (neck crank) |
Dustin Poirier | Jan 24 2021 | UFC 257 | TKO (punches) |
Dustin Poirier | Jul 10 2021 | UFC 264 | TKO (doctor stoppage due to leg break) |
FAQs
1. Is Conor McGregor removed from the UFC roster?
No—he remains under contract with UFC as of August 15, 2025. Rumors of his removal are incorrect.
2. What is Conor McGregor’s current MMA record?
He holds a professional record of 22 wins and 6 losses.
3. Who has McGregor lost to in the UFC?
Nate Díaz (twice), Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Dustin Poirier (twice), across high-profile UFC events.
4. When was his most recent loss?
July 10, 2021, at UFC 264—he lost via TKO due to a broken leg against Dustin Poirier.
5. Is McGregor planning a return to UFC?
He has re-entered the USADA testing pool and hinted at a return on a historic White House card slated for July 4, 2026.
6. Why are there rumors about his roster status?
Misinterpretation of roster-tracking sites and timing with a new Paramount deal led to erroneous reports. Helwani de-bunked these rumors.
7. How many combat sports losses does he have?
In MMA, six losses. (He also lost a professional boxing match to Floyd Mayweather in 2017, though that’s separate from his MMA record.)
Closing Thoughts
Conor McGregor continues to captivate the MMA world. Despite six high-profile losses and a long hiatus, he remains on the UFC roster and in contention for a major comeback. As fans await his next move, all eyes are on whether McGregor will turn retirement rumors into a legendary return—potentially on one of the most unique fight cards in UFC history.
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