Conor McGregor set for extended spell out injured as he sets date for final UFC fight

Conor McGregor has said he will contest his final UFC fight at the promotion’s International Fight Week (IFW) in 2027.

McGregor returned to action eariler this month at UFC 329 against Max Holloway as part of IFW 2026.

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But his comeback lasted just 69 seconds having injured himself with a kick seconds into the Las Vegas main event clash.

McGregor later revealed he’d suffered an ACL injury and meniscus damage in his right knee, adding it is well ‘within my realm to return by next summer.’

Dana White was asked about McGregor’s return last weekend and the UFC CEO confirmed the Irishman was ‘out for a year.’

And that matches what McGregor has now said in a fresh update about his timeline to get back in the octagon.

McGregor reveals ‘last dance’ date

“What was to be a generational beating is now to be rest,” McGregor said on Instagram.

“IFW 2027. The last dance.”

So it seems ‘The Notorious’ will indeed be out for an extended period, with a return at next year’s IFW, which typically takes place at the start of July, expected to welcome his last dance.

McGregor has just one fight left on his current UFC deal and he has already expressed his desire to see out the remainder of his contract.

The 38-year-old has also said Holloway must be the opponent upon his return.

That would mark the pair’s trilogy, as both have now traded wins dating back to McGregor’s win over Holloway at UFC Boston in 2013.

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Holloway, too, is very open to a third meeting with the Irishman.

“I’d love to see this Conor welterweight domain that he was talking about,” Holloway said at UFC 329’s post-fight press conference.

“This different world he was talking about… I want to come back again in 2027.

“I will take some time to have a break to see my family, and then you guys will see ‘Blessed’ return in 2027.”

As for McGregor, his next appearance will likely be his last time representing the UFC, given the other opportunities that could potentially arise when his contract expires.

McGregor is the co-owner of bare-knuckle league BKFC and has previously guaranteed he will fight for the promotion one day.

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There will also certainly be lucrative offers in boxing, with McGregor’s one and only professional bout in the sport a round ten stoppage defeat to Floyd Mayweather in 2017.

UFC Schedule

There are still several blockbuster shows and exciting contests for fight fans to look forward to in 2026, and you can find the full list of all confirmed events and official bouts as part of talkSPORT.com’s UFC schedule.

The UFC, on average, puts on 13 to 14 premium events in a calendar year, with up to 30 smaller ‘Fight Night’ cards allowing prospects and less experienced fighters to showcase their talents.

On January 1, 2026, Dana White’s promotion signed a seven-year broadcast deal with CBS and Paramount+ for exclusive rights in the US, meaning the UFC has put on shows like never before this year.

With the historic first event in the new Paramount era, UFC 324, delivering huge success, and a one-of-a-kind fight card at the White House in June opening up the UFC to a new audience, the promotion remains a premium global sports brand, and fans are eager to keep track of results and upcoming fights.