Conor McGregor Could Return to UFC Next Summer, Coach Says

Conor McGregor's coach, John Kavanagh, has indicated that the UFC star could be ready for a return to competition next summer, following a severe knee injury sustained earlier this year. Kavanagh addressed lingering conspiracy theories surrounding the injury, asserting that McGregor was fully healthy entering his comeback fight.

McGregor suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee during his July return bout against Max Holloway, just moments into the fight. This marked his first fight in five years, after previously breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier. The nature of the injury led some to speculate about pre-existing conditions or whether McGregor was compromised going into the fight.

Kavanagh, speaking on "The Ariel Helwani Show," stated that McGregor is progressing well through his rehabilitation. "He says he does (want to fight again)," Kavanagh said. "I guess it’ll be next year before he can start returning to, obviously, you know, MMA-type training. He’s going through his rehab now. And he’s back. He looks pretty good to me. He looks to be moving around quite well. So he’s been very aggressive with his therapy and his recovery."

Regarding the injury itself, Kavanagh explained that the specific kick McGregor attempted had been practiced extensively in training. "For the conspiracy theorists out there, he walked in with no injury. Zero injury. There was absolutely no injury," Kavanagh stated. "I can guarantee you that he was 100% going in. In fact, probably more healthy going into this one than the last few." He added that McGregor had performed the same kick successfully "at least 50 times" in sparring and pad sessions leading up to the fight.

McGregor still has one fight remaining on his UFC contract. In unrelated news, boxer Conor Benn recently called out McGregor for a potential crossover fight in 2027.