McGregor eyes July return
Conor McGregor says he’s targeting a July return to the UFC in Las Vegas after completing an anti‑doping suspension — though Dana White warns a final deal isn’t signed. (el-balad.com) Rumors link him to a potential clash with Islam Makhachev, but promoters are split on whether that fight should come in July or later. (yardbarker.com) (bjpenn.com)
Combat Sports Anti‑Doping (CSAD) says McGregor’s 18‑month period of ineligibility began on Sept. 20, 2024 and officially ends on March 20, 2026. (ufc.com)) UFC records show McGregor re‑entered the promotion’s testing pool and had already submitted multiple samples in 2025 — outlets report four official tests that year — with additional tests logged early in 2026. (mmafighting.com)) The Nevada Athletic Commission recently approved a UFC pay‑per‑view at T‑Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 — the date widely reported as the International Fight Week main event slot. (mmajunkie.usatoday.com)) Max Holloway has been named by several outlets as the current frontrunner to face McGregor on a July Las Vegas card, and Holloway himself has publicly signalled interest in a rematch. (yardbarker.com)) Islam Makhachev’s manager Ali Abdelaziz told media the champion is “done” for a July return, but UFC officials — including Dana White — have since pushed Makhachev’s expected comeback toward August, creating a timing conflict between camps. (lowkickmma.com)) Resale listings for the July T‑Mobile Arena card are already active, with one major marketplace showing tickets for the event starting around $798 as demand indicators climb. (vividseats.com))
