UFC icon chuckles at Conor McGregor’s recent training clips while fans plead for him to embrace retirement
Conor McGregor, once the undisputed king of the UFC, recently attempted to reignite fans’ excitement by sharing new MMA training clips online. Instead of building confidence in his much-talked-about comeback, the footage sparked laughter from fellow champions and prompted fans to urge the Irishman to seriously consider retirement.
McGregor’s Rocky Road: Four Year Hiatus Raises Eyebrows
McGregor’s last appearance in the Octagon was at UFC 264 in July 2021, a fight that ended in disappointment when he suffered a broken leg against Dustin Poirier. That bout itself came just six months after his first-ever knockout loss in MMA. Since his victory over Donald Cerrone in 2020, McGregor boasts just a single win in the last nine years, prompting many to question whether the Notorious can still compete at the top level.
Recent plans for a UFC comeback were derailed again after a broken toe forced him to cancel a highly-anticipated return in 2024. While McGregor has floated ambitious ideas—such as competing at a UFC White House event in 2026—those announcements have been met with increasing skepticism. Some fans have gone so far as to compare McGregor’s decline to Chuck Liddell’s final days in the cage, with critics referencing his new look and sluggish movement.
Cris Cyborg’s Take: Laughter Instead of Concern
Among the most notable reactions to McGregor’s recent training footage was former UFC champ Cris Cyborg. When a clip of McGregor hitting pads surfaced on Instagram, Cyborg chimed in with a string of laughing emojis. Her response seemed to echo the sentiment of many longtime MMA observers, who see the once-feared striker now as a shadow of his former self.
The Fans Weigh In: Mixed Emotions
Social media was quick to explode with opinions. Some fans didn’t mince words, posting comments like “Bro looks so bad now, just stay retired,” and “He’s gonna get KO’d first round.” Others drew direct parallels with Chuck Liddell before his own retirement, suggesting McGregor’s legacy is at risk the longer he delays a decision.
Yet, not everyone is ready to write off the Irishman. Several fans floated the possibility of matchups that might suit McGregor at this point in his career, including rematches with Michael Chandler or Nate Diaz—or even calling for a sequel against Donald Cerrone. Some even argued that McGregor’s southpaw striking could still pose problems for the likes of Ilia Topuria, reminding everyone of his history against orthodox fighters.
Expert and Fighter Perspective
Experts note that prolonged layoffs and repeated injuries are usually a death knell for a prizefighter’s prime, citing data from multiple MMA comebacks that failed to deliver. As McGregor focuses more on outside ventures like his new persona and interests beyond the Octagon, expectations for a true return to form remain low.
“The longer a fighter is away, the harder it is to regain timing, sharpness, and confidence. There’s a risk of tarnishing your legacy—even the greatest like Liddell or Anderson Silva faced that dilemma,” commented an MMA analyst.
The Bigger Picture
McGregor’s story is a microcosm of the UFC’s evolution from niche sport to global phenomenon. His stardom paved the way for the sport’s explosive growth, but it also highlights the cruel reality of aging in combat sports. For now, fans and fellow fighters remain polarized—some clinging to the hope of one last miracle, others almost pleading for their hero to exit gracefully.
While UFC icons dropping off the active roster is nothing new, McGregor’s situation is different because of his status and the devotion he inspires. The spotlight now shifts to whether he’ll listen to those calling for his retirement or keep chasing the high one more time, a question that looms larger with every new training video.
For Dustin Poirier’s own career shift and insights, check out this profile.
Source: bloodyelbow.com