Conor McGregor is back in the headlines, claiming that his five-year layoff from the sport actually gives him a significant advantage over his UFC rivals. He believes this time away has allowed him to refresh and return stronger. Interestingly, Charles Oliveira was reportedly considered as McGregor's return opponent, but the UFC ultimately opted for a rematch with Max Holloway instead. It's a strategic move that has fans buzzing about what McGregor will bring to the octagon after such a long break.
Sources (14)
We summarise the day's news in our own words. Full credit to the outlets below for the original reporting, click through to read their work.
- Paddy Pimblett: 'I don't think Ilia Topuria ever comes back the same' (MMA Weekly)
- Paddy Pimblett: 'I don't think Ilia Topuria ever comes back the same' (Yahoo Sports)
- Paddy Pimblett says Ilia Topuria will never be the same after Justin Gaethje loss: ‘I don’t think Ilia’s as mentally tough as he thinks he is’ (MMA Fighting)
- Cyborg to end glittering career with Viera fight (Yahoo Sports)
- Conor McGregor claims five-year layoff gives him a major advantage over UFC rivals (Bloody Elbow)
- Georges St-Pierre calls for Justin Gaethje to retire (MMA Weekly)
- Paddy Pimblett’s teammate was warned he’d be iced out by UFC if he didn’t accept fight while injured (Bloody Elbow)
- The reinvention of Tom Aspinall: ‘It was important to get away from MMA’ (Yahoo Sports)
- UFC's Garry partners with boxing promoter Hearn (ESPN MMA)
- Charles Oliveira skipped over as Conor McGregor’s return opponent in favor of Holloway rematch: ‘Part of the game’ (MMA Mania)
- Paddy Pimblett and Joe Rogan disagree on Ilia Topuria’s future after his loss to Justin Gaethje (Bloody Elbow)
- Cris Cyborg farewell fight announced for PFL Tampa on Aug. 22 (Sherdog)
- Dana White defends UFC not hosting Pride Nights: "”I don’t give a sh#t. I don’t care what you are or who you are or what you do, we don’t talk about that or any of that stuff." "..everybody do your own thing. I’m just not into it.” (r/MMA)
- Georges St-Pierre calls for Justin Gaethje to retire (Yahoo Sports)
Split from that day's roundup, so the sources listed are the full set behind the whole edition rather than this story alone.
This story ran in the June 27, 2026 edition of the daily show.