Conor McGregor says next fight will be ‘final’ bout and provides timeline

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Conor McGregor has said his next fight will be his “final” bout, while providing an update on his return from injury.

The former UFC champion fought in July after five years away, only to suffer a first-round injury for the second fight in a row. McGregor, who had broken his leg against Dustin Poirier in 2021, tore his ACL and meniscus against Max Holloway this summer – doing so with his very first kick.

The fight was the penultimate contest on the Irishman’s UFC deal, and he suggested on Sunday that he will not renew his contract.

Conor McGregor before his rematch with Max Holloway (Getty)
Conor McGregor before his rematch with Max Holloway (Getty)

Taking to X, the 38-year-old wrote, “How many views did the canelo [Alvarez] fight get? How many in attendance? Gate?” McGregor was referencing Canelo’s points win over Christian Mbilli in a boxing title match on Saturday.

“Man I outdo ALL of these people in sales,” McGregor continued. “Majorly. EVERY SINGLE ONE. With ease. Maybe even combined. I don’t even be trying.

“I was on the same time as the World Cup semi final [when I fought Holloway] and still done all them numbers in that last bulls*** that I’ve to sit with for another few months before I return.

“I’m going to actually try to sell the fight for my next one. My final fight. See what numbers I can generate. Keep outdoing my own records.”

McGregor has headlined the six highest-grossing UFC pay-per-views of all time, while his 2017 fight with Floyd Mayweather remains the second-highest-grossing boxing match ever.

However, McGregor has proven as controversial as he is successful. Among other legal issues, McGregor was found liable for a 2018 sexual assault, with the verdict turned in by a civil jury in 2024. The Irishman continues to deny all allegations against him, though his appeal against the verdict was unsuccessful.

McGregor almost immediately fell to the mat against Holloway, with their bout lasting just 69 seconds (Getty)
McGregor almost immediately fell to the mat against Holloway, with their bout lasting just 69 seconds (Getty)

McGregor’s last win came in 2020, when he stopped Donald Cerrone in 40 seconds. Since then, he has fought three times, suffering a knockout by Poirier, a broken leg in their next meeting, and his injury against Holloway.

Holloway, whom McGregor outpointed back in 2013, has said he is open to a third clash with “Notorious”, who has echoed that sentiment.

Last week, British boxer Conor Benn called for a fight with McGregor, writing on Instagram, “Any day of the week,” while sharing a mock-up poster featuring himself and the UFC star.