Conor McGregor’s next appearance in the UFC octagon will be his last, the Irish fighter confirmed in a post on X on Nov. 1, setting the stage for a single remaining bout under his current contract and an exit from the promotion. McGregor, 38, said he intends to make that final fight a record-breaking commercial event, pointing to International Fight Week 2027 — late June or early July — as the target window, though no date, event or opponent has been officially confirmed, eldiariony.com and mundodeportivo.com reported.
The announcement came as McGregor continues recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus damage suffered in the opening seconds of his July 11, 2026, return bout against Max Holloway at UFC 329, which ended in a first-round TKO after 64 seconds following a five-year absence from competition.
McGregor Highlights Record-Breaking Commercial Appeal
In the X post, McGregor wrote directly about the commercial stakes of his farewell: “I’m going to really try to sell the next fight. My final fight. See what numbers I can generate. Keep breaking my own records,” according to eldiariony.com. He also compared his drawing power to other combat-sports stars, asking in the same post: “How many views did the Canelo fight get? How many in attendance? Gate? Man I outdo ALL of these people in sales. Majorly. EVERY SINGLE ONE. With ease. Maybe even combined.”
He added that his UFC 329 bout against Holloway aired at the same time as a World Cup semifinal and still delivered strong numbers, mundodeportivo.com reported. McGregor has headlined eight of the 10 most-watched pay-per-view events in UFC history, including his two fights against Nate Diaz, his knockout of Eddie Álvarez for the lightweight title, and his 13-second knockout of José Aldo, according to eldiariony.com.
How the Retirement Confirmation Unfolded
McGregor first signaled the timing shortly after his loss to Holloway, telling followers that his next fight would take place at “International Fight Week 2027, the last dance,” the original Spanish-language reporting said. Days later, after Canelo Álvarez fought Christian Mbilli in Saudi Arabia, he posted the fuller confirmation that the bout would be his final professional MMA fight and that he does not plan to renew with the UFC.
How many views did the canelo fight get? How many in attendance? Gate ? Man I outdo ALL of these people in sales. Majorly. EVERY SINGLE ONE. With ease. Maybe even combined. I don’t even be trying. I was on the same time as the World Cup semi final and still done all them…
The contract detail matters: the upcoming fight is the last one remaining on his current deal with the organization, which reinforces the definitive nature of the event, eldiariony.com reported. McGregor said the injury would not change his plans and that he would return to action as soon as possible.
Knee Injuries Delay Return Timeline
McGregor suffered the knee injuries while throwing a kick in the first moments of the Holloway fight at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026. Reports confirmed damage to both the ACL and meniscus, and he has remained in a lengthy rehabilitation process since. There is still no official date for the return, only the stated aim of International Fight Week 2027.
Who Could McGregor Fight in His Final Bout?
No opponent has been confirmed. McGregor has hinted at wanting to complete a trilogy with Max Holloway before leaving the UFC, according to the original reporting. Other names circulating as possible opponents include lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and Nate Diaz, eldiariony.com reported, citing Mundo Deportivo.
Why This Matters for the UFC’s Biggest Star
McGregor transformed the commercial scale of MMA globally, and eight of the 10 biggest PPV cards in UFC history featured him, eldiariony.com noted.
Conor McGregor announces his next fight will be his last 🚨#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/NNjDieDyfM
McGregor Confirms Potential Opponents
When is Conor McGregor’s final UFC fight? No official date has been set. McGregor has pointed to International Fight Week 2027, around late June or early July, eldiariony.com and mundodeportivo.com reported.
Who will Conor McGregor fight in his last bout? The opponent is unconfirmed. He has suggested a trilogy fight with Max Holloway, while Justin Gaethje and Nate Diaz have also been mentioned as possibilities.
Why is McGregor leaving the UFC? His next fight is the final one on his current contract, and he has said he will not renew with the promotion, according to the social media posts reported by eldiariony.com.
What injury is McGregor recovering from? A torn ACL and meniscus damage in his knee, suffered in the first round of his July 11, 2026, TKO loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329.
The open question remains who the UFC will book against McGregor for the final fight — and whether that opponent will be Holloway, the man who handed him his most recent defeat.
Worth a look
