Conor McGregor’s UFC Return: Will The "Notorious" Fight In 2026 Or Shift Permanently To BKFC?
The combat sports world remains on high alert as Conor McGregor teases his highly anticipated return to active competition. With his UFC contract status nearing its final chapters and his growing influence as a co-owner of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC), fans are questioning whether the former two-division champion will ever step back into the Octagon.
| Key Metric / Entity | Current Status (August 2026) |
|---|---|
| Primary Subject | Conor "The Notorious" McGregor |
| Active UFC Contract | Two fights remaining |
| Last Professional Fight | July 2021 (vs. Dustin Poirier) |
| Key Business Venture | Co-owner, BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) |
| Target Return Window | Late 2026 / Early 2027 |
The Long Road Back: Injuries, Contracts, and the Michael Chandler Saga
Conor McGregor's last walk to the UFC Octagon occurred in July 2021, a night that ended in a devastating leg fracture against Dustin Poirier. Since then, his recovery has been a saga of intense training montages, public call-outs, and multiple postponed dates. The most notable setback occurred in mid-2024, when a toe injury forced McGregor out of his scheduled UFC 303 international fight week headliner against Michael Chandler.
While Chandler has since moved on to other matchups, the shadow of McGregor’s return still looms large over the lightweight and welterweight divisions. UFC CEO Dana White has repeatedly stated that McGregor remains one of the most tested athletes on the roster, yet scheduling conflicts and McGregor’s massive net worth continue to complicate fight negotiations.
How to Watch Conor McGregor's Fight Events and BKFC Cards
When McGregor does compete, his events draw record-breaking pay-per-view (PPV) numbers globally. For fans looking to follow his promotional work and potential return, keeping track of broadcast rights is essential:
- UFC Pay-Per-View Events: Exclusively broadcast on ESPN+ PPV in the United States, with international streaming available via UFC Fight Pass or local broadcasters like TNT Sports (UK).
- BKFC Events: As a part-owner, McGregor frequently appears ringside at BKFC events. These can be streamed via the BKFC App (formerly Bare Knuckle TV) and select pay-per-view partners.
- Social Media Updates: The fastest way to get real-time training footage and fight announcements remains McGregor's official Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) accounts.
Conor McGregor 4K Wallpapers - Wallpaper Cave
The 2026 Combat Sports Landscape: Final UFC Run vs. BKFC Expansion
As we pass the midway point of 2026, McGregor's career sits at a critical crossroads. He has publicly expressed a desire to complete his remaining UFC contract fights, fueling speculation about potential blockbuster matchups against rivals like Nate Diaz or welterweight contenders.
However, his executive role at BKFC is taking up an increasing amount of his professional focus. McGregor has actively lobbied for big-name UFC veterans to jump ship to the bare-knuckle promotion, positioning BKFC as a major competitor in the combat sports industry. Whether he opts to fight out his UFC contract or transition fully into a promoter role, McGregor's influence on the fight game in late 2026 remains unmatched.
