Conor McGregor has entered the boxing ring before, but he has a rival if he wanted to do it again.

McGregor famously fought in a lucrative boxing clash against Floyd Mayweather in 2017, which saw him beaten but generate monumental revenue.

UFC fighter Conor McGregor speaks in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Monday, March 17, 2025. McGregor said he was meeting with US President Donald Trump later in the day. Photographer: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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McGregor is receiving more call-outs as his comeback gets ever closerCredit: Getty

The Irishman has teased a switch from MMA back to boxing in the future, and even suggested he would fight in the bare-knuckle ranks under his BKFC banner.

Chances of him lacing up the gloves again have increased given UFC president Dana White has launched venture Zuffa Boxing.

He is still under contract with the UFC, but could be allowed a quick switch across to the platform.

And unbeaten UFC middleweight king Khamzat Chimaev has issued his plea to be the one to entertain the combat sports superstar.

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“Zuffa boxing with Conor, maybe that one,” he explained.

“Maybe if Zuffa gives the chance to box Conor and Conor accepts, that would be nice.

“Conor is one of the best boxers in the UFC.

“It would be nice to fight that guy and good money too.”

McGregor has been inactive since breaking his leg in a defeat to Dustin Poirier in 2021.

But he could always likely be tempted by the financial allure of potential boxing clashes.

Joe Rogan talks to Khamzat Chimaev of the United Arab Emirates after his middleweight title bout victory in UFC 319 at the United Center on August 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois

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Chimaev wants the opportunity to face McGregor in boxingCredit: GettyWhen is McGregor expected to come back?

McGregor was anticipated to be returning last year against Michael Chandler but the fight was postponed.

However ‘The Notorious’ is now in a full training camp and is back in the USADA drug-testing pool.

It is now the closest McGregor has been to a return, and talks are close to being finalised for his UFC bow on July 11 as part of International Fight Week.

Reports are growing stronger that his opponent will be Max Holloway, a fan-favourite with a ferocious striking style similar to the returning Irishman.

It is seen as a perfect opponent with the Hawaii native open to competing at any available weight.

Paddy Pimblett could also feature on what would be a truly blockbuster bill for UFC 329.

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