Conor McGregor is officially gearing up for his return to the UFC — and this time, he’s playing by the rules (for now).
According to the UFC’s anti-doping database, McGregor logged his first test of 2025 on August 1, confirming what many had speculated all week. The news was first flagged by combat sports analyst Jed I. Goodman and lines up with McGregor’s own social media post earlier this week, where he showed off a bandage on his shoulder with the caption: “I gave my first blood test… I am ECSTATIC! I’m in SHAPE!”
Updated Aug 1, Conor McGregor shows 1 test session in 2025. pic.twitter.com/gSY51imk4T
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) August 1, 2025
This test is his first since 2024, a year in which he was tested 11 times while preparing for his scheduled UFC 303 showdown against Michael Chandler — a bout that ultimately fell apart after McGregor suffered a toe injury. The former champ-champ hasn’t fought since shattering his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, but now, the comeback trail looks a little more real.
And the timing couldn’t be more loaded.
I PISS EXCELLENCE! https://t.co/u8o6et0vuf
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 1, 2025
McGregor has expressed interest in headlining what many say will be on of the most high-profile events in UFC history: a White House fight card proposed by President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White for July 4, 2026. The event would mark America’s 250th Independence Day celebration — and potentially, the Irishman’s first fight in five years.
It would be vintage McGregor: a massive stage, a political backdrop, and a timeline just long enough to build one last marketing war.
But while “The Notorious” gears up for a historic return, controversy still follows him. Outside the cage, McGregor’s legal troubles continue to mount. Most recently, a court in Ireland denied his appeal in a civil case where he was found liable for a 2018 sexual assault in Dublin. The ruling added another blemish to his already chaotic post-fight career, even as his brand continues to thrive with businesses like Proper No. Twelve whiskey, BKFC ownership stakes, and his co-starring role in Amazon’s Road House reboot.
In the fighting world, the proposed July card is only a year away; however, one has to wonder if we’ll see McGregor fight in 2025 or maybe January 2026. It’s been a long time since he’s been in the octagon, and as awesome as it is to see him possibly back in the mix, that’s A LOT of ring rust.
Not to mention, McGregor was soundly beaten when he lost to Poirier in January of 2021, and McGregor’s body crumbled after just one round against Poirier in July of 2021.
If McGregor wants to have a meaningful fight in July of 2026, he needs to get in the octagon asap.
