Conor McGregor’s Long-Awaited Return: Will “The Notorious” Fight in 2025—and Could It Be Against Logan Paul?

By Ali Hammad June 12, 2025 09:33

Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return to the UFC has been a rollercoaster of anticipation, speculation, and setbacks, leaving fans wondering if “The Notorious” will finally step back into the Octagon in 2025 and whether that comeback could feature a high-profile bout against social media sensation-turned-fighter Logan Paul.

McGregor, the former two-division UFC champion with a professional MMA record of 22-6, has not fought since July 2021, when he suffered a broken leg during his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. A scheduled return against Michael Chandler in June 2024 was scrapped after McGregor withdrew due to a foot injury, and since then, his UFC future has remained uncertain. UFC President Dana White recently painted a discouraging picture, stating in May 2025, “He’s not fighting any time soon. I haven’t spoken to him in a while. I don’t know,” signaling a lack of clear communication between the promotion and the Irish superstar.

Despite this, McGregor has publicly attempted to revive comeback talks. In April 2025, he sent a pointed message to Dana White on social media, writing, “Let’s get this show started @ufc,” signaling his desire to return. McGregor also revealed a major condition for his comeback: he wants to fight in a stadium setting, aiming for a grand spectacle befitting his star power. This demand complicates negotiations, as UFC events in large stadiums are rare and logistically challenging.

The possibility of McGregor facing Logan Paul has been a recurring topic among fans and analysts. Paul, who has steadily improved his boxing and MMA skills since his high-profile bouts with Floyd Mayweather and others, represents a lucrative and attention-grabbing opponent. While McGregor has not officially confirmed any opponent for his return, the prospect of a superfight with Paul fits the mold of the kind of blockbuster event McGregor desires.

Financial considerations also play a role. McGregor reportedly turned down a boxing match offer last summer due to unsatisfactory terms, indicating he is holding out for a deal that matches his market value and legacy. His status as one of the highest-paid athletes globally, bolstered by his 2017 boxing payday against Mayweather and lucrative sponsorships, gives him leverage but also raises expectations for a high-profile return.

Dana White remains hopeful but cautious. In late 2024, he predicted McGregor would fight early in 2025, though that timeline has since become murky. McGregor’s recent focus on ventures outside the UFC, including his role as a promoter for Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship and political ambitions in Ireland, further cloud his fighting future.

In summary, Conor McGregor’s return in 2025 is far from guaranteed but remains one of the most anticipated comebacks in combat sports. His desire for a stadium fight and blockbuster opponent aligns with the tantalizing possibility of facing Logan Paul, a matchup that would generate massive global interest. However, injuries, contract demands, and personal distractions have delayed his comeback, leaving fans and the UFC waiting for clarity. Whether “The Notorious” will step back into the Octagon this year and against whom remains one of 2025’s biggest unanswered questions in MMA.