Speculation surrounding a potential comeback for Conor McGregor has intensified after the UFC's new broadcast partner placed the Irish superstar at the forefront of its promotional campaign.
McGregor Fronts Major New UFC Partnership
Paramount+, which has secured a landmark broadcasting deal with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has prominently featured McGregor on billboards in New York's Times Square. This major shift sees the UFC moving away from its traditional pay-per-view model to an all-access subscription service under the new partnership.
McGregor, 37, enthusiastically shared an image of the advertisement on his social media, declaring: "It will be my great honour to 'MAKE UFC GREAT AGAIN!' Only on @paramountplus." This high-profile placement is being widely interpreted as a strong hint that the former two-division champion is central to the promotion's plans for its new era.
The Long Road Back to the Octagon
McGregor has not competed since July 2021, when he suffered a broken leg during his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. His path back to action has been fraught with setbacks, including a broken toe that forced him to withdraw from a scheduled bout with Michael Chandler in June 2024 at just two weeks' notice.
Further complications arose from a backdated 18-month suspension, which McGregor accepted in October for three absences during attempted drug tests. However, this suspension does not appear to be a barrier for a 2025 return, as the 'Notorious' one is eligible to compete again from 20 March onwards.
McGregor has repeatedly expressed his desire to feature on a speculated UFC event at the White House this summer. He has previously called a fight with Michael Chandler a "done deal" for that card, although the UFC has yet to make any official announcement.
Life Outside the Cage: Politics and Legal Battles
During his fighting hiatus, McGregor has ventured into other spheres. He recently ended a brief pursuit of the Irish presidency, criticising the nation's eligibility criteria as a "straitjacket."
The fighter has also faced significant legal challenges. In November, a civil jury found in favour of a woman who accused him of rape in 2018. McGregor was found liable for assault, and his appeal against the verdict failed in July of last year. He continues to deny all allegations made against him.
Despite these off-canvas issues, the spotlight from Paramount+ suggests the UFC and its new broadcast partner are banking on the enduring star power of Conor McGregor. His potential return remains one of the most anticipated stories in combat sports, and all signs now point towards a major announcement in the coming months.
