Conor McGregor drops comeback hint with new training footage after Ilia Topuria wins at UFC 317

Conor McGregor has dropped the biggest hint yet regarding a potential comeback after he posted footage of himself in training on a beach in Ibiza.

The former two-division UFC champion, 36, was scheduled to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303, but the bout was cancelled just two weeks prior to the event after McGregor suffered a broken toe in training.

McGregor, who hasn't fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, went months without talking about his future in the sport as he concentrated on launching a bid for the Irish presidency.

But after Islam Makhachev decided to vacate the UFC lightweight title to challenge at welterweight, the Irishman couldn't help but get involved in the conversation.

Taking to his Instagram story in May, he wrote: “Let’s get this show started @ufc.”

Conor McGregor hasn't fought in the UFC for more than four years. Image: Getty

So what's next for McGregor? The former champion appeared to drop a comeback hint on Sunday, shortly after Ilia Topuria secured the lightweight belt with a first-round knockout win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

As you can see from the footage below, McGregor gathered a big crowd at a beach in Ibiza as he threw a number of combinations on the pads.

McGregor also reposted a response from AI chatbot Grok, which claimed he was "keeping the door open for a comeback" after a fan asked if the Irishman was retired.

"Conor McGregor has not officially retired as of June 29, 2025," the post read.

"The UFC lists him as active, and he’s been seen training recently, suggesting a possible return. However, he has no fights scheduled, and UFC CEO Dana White said he’s not fighting soon. McGregor’s focus on his 2025 Irish presidential run and acting career adds uncertainty."

Grok added: "While he’s hinted at retirement, his history of reversing such claims keeps the door open for a comeback."

Here's how fans on social media reacted to the footage.

One wrote: "Are going to fight again or just keep talking about it?" and a second commented: "What is he training for?! He’s never gonna fight again."

A third said: "Anybody can be champion of the pads. GSP said that one time."

A fourth wrote: "He actually looks better than usual. But I know the comeback isn’t coming. Lol," and a fifth added: "He wants attention so bad now that all eyes are on Ilia."

McGregor's actions either side of his last UFC fight has been a major source of controversy. In November 2024, he was found liable in Irish civil court for assaulting Nikita Hand in 2016 and was ordered to pay €248,000 in damages.

Earlier this month, a video posted by The Sun showed McGregor appearing to punch a man twice while in an Ibiza nightclub, knocking him to the ground.

• Conor McGregor posts new training footage ahead of UFC return and it's sparked fierce debate
• Conor McGregor Confirms UFC White House Event Return as he Makes $100m Demand
• Conor McGregor Confirms Opponent For UFC White House On 'Greatest Card of All Time'
• Conor McGregor drops huge UFC retirement hint as shock statement issued