McGregor's Drastic Social Media Move Signals UFC Return
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has taken the dramatic step of wiping his Instagram account clean, in what appears to be a serious commitment to his long-awaited octagon return. The Irish fighter, 37, hasn't competed since his July 2021 defeat to Dustin Poirier, but recent developments suggest his comeback is gathering genuine momentum.
White House Event and Training Timeline
The potential stage for McGregor's return could be historic. Following an announcement by former US President Donald Trump about hosting a UFC event at the White House next June, UFC CEO Dana White has secured approval to stage the spectacle on the South Lawn. McGregor immediately volunteered for this landmark card, which is expected to take shape in February.
His longtime coach, John Kavanagh, has confirmed McGregor's complete dedication to preparation. "We're 100 per cent in," Kavanagh revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show. "He's asked me to basically lay out a programme between now and June of how we'll ramp up our training."
Kavanagh noted that McGregor is already back training early most mornings and showing renewed commitment. The coach has been tasked with assembling a team of suitable training partners, with sessions planned both at the gym and at McGregor's home.
Overcoming Obstacles and Previous Setbacks
McGregor's path to this potential comeback hasn't been smooth. He was scheduled to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 last year, but a training injury forced his withdrawal. More recently, the fighter faced an 18-month ban for missing three drug tests, which threatened to exclude him from the White House event.
However, that suspension has been reduced, with his ban now set to end in March 2026 rather than the original two-year term that would have prevented participation in the June event. Last month, McGregor himself claimed his UFC return was confirmed, though UFC leadership quickly refuted those statements.
The Irish star had previously hinted at his intensified focus when he posted to his social media followers: "Hey folks online, I'm out of here for a bit, see you again soon! My love, unwavering! Thank you all." His current Instagram wipe appears to be the physical manifestation of that promised social media break as he concentrates fully on cage preparation.
