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Conor McGregor has hinted that a fighter with a smaller name than some might be expecting could face him in his return UFC bout.
McGregor hasn’t been in a pro MMA fight since 2021. The “Notorious” one broke his leg during a trilogy outing against Dustin Poirier. McGregor’s return has since been teased, and he was even booked to fight Michael Chandler at UFC 303 back in 2024 before being pulled due to an injury.
Despite the significant inactivity, McGregor has insisted that he will eventually make his way back inside the Octagon. During the UFC Houston event, McGregor hopped on his X account to claim it’s looking like his comeback fight will be against someone who isn’t exactly a household name.
“It’s a no name up next for me possibly, folks,” McGregor wrote. “And as you know, idgaf. I ACCEPT. Send the contract, lads. CONOR MCGREGORS DEAL.”
McGregor has since deleted the post. During the UFC Houston post-fight press conference, Dana White was asked about what the former lightweight and featherweight champion was implying.
“If it was done and he accepted it, I would announce it,” White responded.
Dana White when asked about Conor McGregor’s recent post that he had been offered a fight: If it was done and he accepted it I would announce it. pic.twitter.com/VSyjKMV7jh
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 22, 2026
Some have speculated that McGregor could have been referring to Mauricio Ruffy, who has quickly garnered some attention given his exciting fighting style. Ruffy recently claimed he’s heard some rumblings of a possible clash with McGregor. As White mentioned during the media chat, nothing has been made official with McGregor at this time.
Many remain skeptical of McGregor actually making his return to fighting. The “Notorious” one has teased even making the transition to bare-knuckle boxing if he were to be free of his UFC contract. It’s hard for most to believe UFC would let McGregor walk.
Do you think Conor McGregor was bluffing with his recent social post? Tell us in the comment section below.
