Conor McGregor challenged to outrageous 2026 fight by unexpected opponent

A former UFC champion has suggested that he will face Conor McGregor by the end of 2026, as the Irishman’s 18-month suspension for violating anti-doping rules nears its conclusion.

McGregor, 37, has not fought since suffering defeat and breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021.

Since then, the former two-weight UFC champion has dealt with various issues in his personal life, including being found liable for the assault of Nikita Hand in November 2024 after a lengthy civil court case in the Republic of Ireland. Hand was awarded €248,000 (£206,000) in damages. McGregor lost his civil jury appeal.

McGregor had a bout scheduled for June 2024 against Michael Chandler, but the fight was cancelled after the Dubliner sustained a foot injury in training.

In October 2025, he was suspended for 18 months for violating anti-doping rules.

The 37-year-old missed three biological sample collections within 12 months in 2024, according to Combat Sports Anti-Doping (CSAD).

Conor McGregor has not fought since 2021 (Credit:Getty)

His ban was backdated to the initial whereabouts failure in September 2024, meaning he is free to fight as of 20 March 2026.

Last week, fans learned that McGregor would not be fighting on the much-anticipated UFC White House card despite rumours that he would appear.

Instead, Ilia Topuria will face Justin Gaethje for the UFC lightweight title, while Alex Pereira takes on Ciryl Gane for the interim UFC heavyweight title in the co-main event.

Sean O’Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi, Mauricio Ruffy vs Michael Chandler, Bo Nickal vs Kyle Daukaus, and Diego Lopes vs Steve Garcia complete the card.

However, McGregor could be set to return to the Octagon sooner rather than later after all.

On Friday (13 March), former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman got fans talking on X after he posted: “Usman X McGregor 2026 [eyes emoji].”

The 38-year-old last fought in June 2025 when he defeated Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision, ending a three-fight losing streak after defeats to Leon Edwards (twice) and Khamzat Chimaev.

Kamaru Usman has called out Conor McGregor (Credit:Getty)

The Nigerian boasts a record of 21-4 but is past his peak despite being one of the greatest welterweights to compete in the UFC, holding the title between 2019 and 2022.

Fans offered their thoughts on the proposed bout on social media.

One said: “I don’t understand why you’re not pushing for UFC Africa with Du Plessis in South Africa! That’s a far better fight and will give you leverage to go for the middleweight title because as of now you’re far from a welterweight title shot. I don’t even understand how you rejected it!”

Another added: “I’m not even mad at this idea… @TheNotoriousMMA this might be the one we didn’t think of.”

A third claimed: “Compelling on paper but this fight would be so damn boring.”