The Guardian
·Jul 2026
Conor McGregor is back, but the sensation who changed the UFC is long gone
Conor McGregor returns to the UFC after five years amid doubts about his athletic relevance and intense scrutiny over legal cases and political controversies. While still a major commercial draw for the UFC and its partners, his public image in Ireland has deteriorated due to a civil rape verdict and far‑right political alignments. The UFC promotes his comeback for financial impact rather than competitive merit, banking on public curiosity despite uncertainty about his abilities following a serious leg injury. McGregor’s legacy as a transformative figure contrasts sharply with his current persona, creating an illusion of his former self that fades under closer examination.