Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has reportedly been removed from the promotion's active fighter roster, effectively signalling the end of his relationship with the organisation.
The 37-year-old Irishman has not competed since July 2021, marking over four years of inactivity.
McGregor's most recent octagon appearance ended in dramatic fashion when he sustained a broken ankle during his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
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The Louisiana fighter had already secured a knockout victory over McGregor earlier that year at UFC 257, becoming the first to stop the Irishman with strikes.
Conor McGregor has been absent from the octagon since his loss against Dustin Poirier in 2021 | GettyAccording to the UFC Roster Watch website, McGregor no longer appears on the active roster list.
This development raises serious questions about whether The Notorious will ever return to mixed martial arts competition.
The removal comes despite McGregor's recent training videos and public declarations about targeting a comeback at the planned White House UFC event in 2026.
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Let’s get some REAL ENERGY in! ⚡️
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 10, 2025
You know you want to see it. 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/tOBXJjpttu
A scheduled return against Michael Chandler as the main event of UFC 303 last year offered hope for McGregor's comeback.
The pair had served as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter Season 31 in 2023.
However, McGregor withdrew from the bout due to a broken toe, extending his absence from competition.
Dana White recently addressed McGregor's situation following the UFC's announcement of their $7.7 billion broadcasting agreement with CBS and Paramount+.
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The UFC president indicated that while McGregor had re-entered the promotion's testing pool and was pushing for inclusion on the White House card, they would "have to see how it plays out over the next few months".
Michael Chandler, McGregor's intended opponent from their cancelled bout, expressed scepticism about any potential return.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, Chandler stated: "If you're a betting man, I wouldn't bet on [McGregor coming back]."
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Michael Chandler spoke on the The Ariel Helwani Show believing McGregor would not return to the UFC
|YouTube
The White House event remains scheduled for 2026, though McGregor's participation now appears increasingly unlikely.
The roster removal carries significant implications for McGregor's contractual situation with the UFC.
He reportedly had two fights remaining on his exclusive UFC deal before this development.
The UFC's new broadcasting arrangement may have reduced their reliance on pay-per-view draws like McGregor.
With most events moving away from the $79.99 paywall model, the promotion appears less dependent on individual star power to drive revenue.
If the removal is confirmed, McGregor would no longer be bound to the promotion and could explore opportunities with rival organisations or different combat disciplines without requiring UFC approval.
His part-ownership of Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship represents one potential avenue, whereas a potential move into boxing could be on the cards. The Irishman has been linked with a bout with Jake Paul or landing a clash on YouTuber KSI's MisFits boxing.