Conor McGregor remains focused on a 2027 UFC comeback despite his recent injury, according to his longtime coach.
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor is still eyeing a future return to the Octagon, targeting a potential comeback in 2027 following his recent injury setback at UFC 329, according to information published by bjpenn.
The Irish MMA superstar suffered a devastating right leg injury just seconds into his long-awaited return bout against Max Holloway. Despite the disappointing outcome, McGregor quickly turned his focus toward a possible trilogy fight in 2027.
While the injury extended his time away from active competition, his lead cornerman recently revealed that the former dual-weight titleholder is aggressively tackling his rehabilitation and plans to resume training soon.
John Kavanagh Details Conor McGregor Recovery
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, longtime coach John Kavanagh offered an encouraging update regarding the physical and mental state of the UFC icon.
Kavanagh stated that the fighter still possesses a strong desire to compete, noting that the rehabilitation process has been remarkably aggressive since the unfortunate setback at UFC 329 against Max Holloway.
The coach emphasized that it will likely take until next year before the athlete can safely transition back into mixed martial arts training, but expressed firm confidence in his resilient mindset.
Uncertainty Surrounds Next Octagon Appearance
Addressing what the next phase of the career might look like, Kavanagh admitted that the exact details remain unclear, though dismissing the narrative that the fighting legend is completely finished.
Highlighting the historical work ethic of the former champion, the coach noted that if anyone possesses the physical and mental capacity to make another remarkable comeback, it is definitely him.
The path back to peak fight shape will require significant dedication, yet the team remains fully convinced that the superstar will do whatever is necessary to step inside the cage again.
Looking Past Recent UFC Losses
The recent defeat against Holloway marked another difficult chapter for the star, who has faced a challenging stretch inside the promotion over recent years, including back-to-back losses to Dustin Poirier in 2021.
Prior to that tough run, the last victory for the athlete inside the promotion came via a first-round knockout against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246, highlighting the lengthy layoff he recently ended.
Despite the setbacks, the continued dedication to therapy shows that competitive fire remains alive, keeping fans talking about a potential 2027 return.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Conor McGregor planning to return to the UFC?
Conor McGregor is eyeing a potential return to the Octagon in 2027, with his coach John Kavanagh noting he could resume MMA training next year.
What injury did Conor McGregor suffer at UFC 329?
Conor McGregor injured his right leg after failing to land a spinning wheel kick in the opening seconds of his bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
What did coach John Kavanagh say about Conor McGregor fighting again?
John Kavanagh stated on The Ariel Helwani Show that Conor McGregor still wants to fight, has been aggressive with therapy, and is not done with competition yet.
Who was Conor McGregor's most recent opponent?
Conor McGregor faced Max Holloway at UFC 329, returning to the cage for the first time in five years before suffering a leg injury.


