Conor McGregor training footage leaves fans extremely concerned ahead of UFC return

Footage of Conor McGregor training ahead of his UFC return later this year has left fans on social media concerned.

McGregor hasn't fought since breaking his leg against longtime rival Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

There have been several attempts to get him back into the Octagon, with the Irishman pulling out of a clash with Michael Chandler in June 2024 due to a toe injury.

He's since served an 18-month suspension after failing to disclose his whereabouts for drug testing on three separate occasions in that same year.

The 37-year-old is eyeing a return to the promotion this summer and is back in the gym to shake off any rust.

However, according to many, it doesn't make for pretty viewing.

McGregor works the punching bag with a flurry of body shots, but it's a lack of explosiveness that's caught everyone off guard.

Conor McGregor showing off his hand speed in new training footage 👀

(via @TheNotoriousMMA) pic.twitter.com/Yw0x7lezGI

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 30, 2026

One X user replied: "I could slip away from those punches."

Another added: "His cardio was bad before. Imagine it now."

While a third suggested: "He looks like a slow-motion Ryan Garcia."

What are the options for McGregor's return?

Who McGregor is booked against is the question on everyone's lips this year. 'The Notorious' was left off June's 'Freedom 250' event at the White House, despite a close friendship with President Donald Trump and his administration.

McGregor claims he was open to facing Chandler at the event, but was tipped off that it was more likely to be during International Fight Week, with a different opponent than Chandler.

He told the Smash Cast: "I was up for the White House. I know the administration was strong for me to be in the White House. It was McGregor versus Chandler.

"The story was built in; Chandler is a standup guy, he's electric in the cage. He comes to bring it. I'm the Mac. I'll fly through the air like Chandler. It would have been dynamite as a fight. And somewhere down the line... [they said] maybe we're going to go with you for International Fight Week."

Given his combative personality and status as a box-office draw, McGregor isn't short of potential foes.

Kamaru Usman, Max Holloway and current BMF champion Charles Oliveira are among the names to throw their hat into the ring.

UFC head honcho Dana White recently shot down rumours that McGregor would be fighting fellow countryman Ian Garry in Dublin. However, he didn't pour cold water on a showdown down the line.