Conor McGregor, one of the most iconic mixed martial artists of his generation, appears to be deepening preparations for a potential return to the UFC.
The former two-division champion has been documenting his training routines and sharing sparring footage that suggests his focus is stronger than ever as he pushes toward a planned comeback.
At 37 years old, McGregor hasn’t competed in the Octagon since 2021, following a severe leg injury suffered in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier.
Although time away from the cage has been extended, recent developments show he’s clearly ramping up his efforts and testing his skills against talented, physically imposing partners.
Facing a Big Challenge: Sparring with a 6-Foot-5 Welterweight
One of the most striking developments in McGregor’s camp recently was his decision to spar with Eoin Sheridan, a striking powerhouse standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall.
Sheridan is an unbeaten welterweight and one of the taller fighters McGregor has worked with. The nearly 9-inch height difference presented a serious challenge for McGregor during their sessions.
Footage shared on social media shows McGregor landing clean punches while moving inside Sheridan’s range, an indication that his timing and accuracy remain sharp despite the size disparity.
In addition to his punches, McGregor displayed a spinning kick toward Sheridan’s head, illustrating that his kicking game is still very much part of his striking arsenal.
Another clip appears to show McGregor landing a classic left hand and a leg kick, demonstrating balance, technique, and confidence even when at a physical disadvantage.
While the footage is brief, it’s already generated excitement and speculation among MMA fans online.
McGregor captioned one post with humor, referring to his taller sparring partner as the “7-foot sheriff of Ireland,” a light-hearted jab that shows he isn’t intimidated by the size difference during training.
Preparation for a UFC Comeback
Although no official fight has been announced, especially for the highly anticipated UFC White House event scheduled for June 14, McGregor continues to present himself as fully committed to returning to MMA competition.
He remains eligible to compete again after his suspension for “whereabouts failures” ends on March 20, making 2026 a key year for his potential return.
The UFC has not finalized any opponent for McGregor or officially confirmed his return bout, but the Irish superstar’s training footage, including intense sparring sessions, reinforces that he is preparing as though a fight is imminent.
This journey back to the Octagon comes after several ups and downs in McGregor’s post-2021 career.
He suffered multiple losses, including two defeats to Dustin Poirier and a submission loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Still, he has consistently maintained that he is focused on reclaiming his status as a top UFC competitor.
What the Sparring Sessions Reveal
Training with a significantly taller and unbeaten opponent offers a clear look into how McGregor is pushing himself.
Fighters often use sparring partners with different physical profiles to sharpen specific aspects of their own skills, whether that’s footwork, defense, timing, or adaptability.
In McGregor’s case, working with Sheridan likely helps him sharpen his ability to navigate range and prepare for taller fighters in any future matchup.
Fans watching the sessions have had mixed reactions, with many expressing excitement over McGregor’s movement and technique.
Social media responses have included comments praising his footwork and striking precision, even against larger opponents. This sparks renewed interest in what could be next for “The Notorious.”
McGregor’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
Conor McGregor is widely regarded as one of the biggest draws in UFC history.
He made history as the first fighter to hold UFC championships in two weight classes simultaneously, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
His journey has included unforgettable moments like his crossover boxing bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr., one of the most lucrative combat sports events ever staged.
And though his MMA career has encountered setbacks over the years, McGregor’s star power and influence remain undeniable.
Whether or not McGregor returns to the Octagon this year remains uncertain. With the UFC White House card on the horizon and no official bout announced, fans are left to piece together clues from his training footage and public statements.
One thing is clear: McGregor is putting significant effort into his preparations, and sparring sessions with taller, undefeated fighters suggest his training is serious and varied.
Final Thoughts
As Conor McGregor continues to train with punishing intensity and expand his preparation against challenging partners, the MMA community watches closely.
His sparring with a 6-foot-5 welterweight isn’t just about physical conditioning; it’s a statement about his mindset and readiness to compete again on the sport’s biggest stage.
Whether that comeback culminates in a spectacular return bout remains to be seen, but McGregor’s training footage paints a vivid picture of a fighter determined to be ready when the opportunity arrives.