Get ready for the main event: Conor McGregor is back in the UFC octagon this Saturday, marking an end to his five-year hiatus from the sport. The Irish mixed martial arts sensation has been out of commission since suffering a catastrophic leg fracture in 2021, but he's now set to face Max Holloway in a long-discussed rematch at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas – the very same venue where he was airlifted following his injury.
For many, McGregor's comeback is all about the benjamins. His fights are a goldmine for the UFC and its parent company, TKO Group Holdings, with massive pay-per-view revenue and gate receipts waiting to be plundered. And let's be honest, McGregor himself has been quiet on his motivations – but we all know why he's here: it's about winning big, both in the ring and at the bank.
The past five years have been a brutal test for McGregor's reputation, particularly back home in Ireland. The fallout from allegations and accusations – including a civil jury finding that left him reeling – has left his public image battered and bruised. His hardline stances on immigration, mirroring US policies, and high-profile endorsements from far-right figures have alienated a significant chunk of the Irish public. Even his White House visit in 2025 sparked controversy, with then-Prime Minister Micheál Martin condemning his comments as a "disservice to the spirit of St Patrick's Day."
Just ten years ago, McGregor was the toast of Ireland – a hero who rose from humble Crumlin beginnings to claim the UFC featherweight championship in just 13 seconds. He became a global phenomenon, headlining 10 out of 11 pay-per-view events and raking it in with a reported $130 million payday against Floyd Mayweather in 2017. But now, after a prolonged period of inactivity and controversy, McGregor's competitive form is under the microscope – can he still hang with the best? His comeback comes after an injury that saw him out for longer than it took him to ascend from his UFC debut.
Despite the baggage, the UFC seems committed to riding this McGregor gravy train. The event is set to break company records for gate receipts, and the scheduled weigh-ins will be broadcast on CBS – proof that the entertainment industry's love affair with McGregor shows no signs of fading. It's a reminder that some athletes maintain an aura of invincibility, regardless of their personal demons or controversies outside the arena.