Conor McGregor‘s coach John Kavanagh recently delivered a major update on his UFC return. He sounded confident about McGregor’s comeback and shared that the Irishman is actively training again.
McGregor last competed in his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. That fight ended after the Irishman suffered a gruesome leg injury at the end of the 1st round. That injury left him unable to continue, and Poirier earned a TKO by doctor’s stoppage.
McGregor was scheduled to return last year at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler. However, he suffered another setback and withdrew from the fight. Still, the Irishman wants to headline the White House card, and is fully committed to that goal.
Kavanagh said that his recent conversations with McGregor felt positive and direct. He explained that the former two-division UFC champion is already planning his training schedule. Although McGregor is eager, he noted that UFC will decide if he competes at the White House.
“On our end, we’re 100 percent in. Absolutely. [McGregor has] asked me to basically lay out a program between now and June of how we’ll ramp up our training,” Kavanagh said during his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show. “He’s showing up again, he’s back in the gym most mornings, early, and he’s having fun with it.”
He added:
“He’s already tasked me with putting together a team of suitable training partners. We’ll someone in the gym, someone at his house. He’s full locked in.”
Conor McGregor’s Coach Names Ideal Opponent for His Return
Conor McGregor’s coach John Kavanagh also named the opponent he sees as the best fit for McGregor. If the UFC books McGregor on the White House card, Kavanagh believes Michael Chandler makes the most sense.
McGregor and Chandler have been linked to a potential fight since coaching on The Ultimate Fighter. Their planned UFC 303 fight fell apart after McGregor withdrew. ‘Iron’ later fought Charles Oliveira instead.
Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Kavanagh said that McGregor and Chandler have history with each other. He believes their personalities would spark strong interest.
Kavanagh also believes their press conferences would entertain fans and their styles would make for a fan-friendly fight.
“[Michael] Chandler has not been quiet about wanting to be that guy [who fights McGregor at the White House]. I think the matchup makes sense, I think it would be a fun one,” Kavanagh said. “I’d love it. I think they have a bit of a spark between them. They some stuff together before. I think it would be a fun fight week, press conference, all of that.”
Kavanagh Says McGregor’s Mentality Has Changed
Kavanagh also noticed a major change in McGregor’s mindset.
McGregor has been open about his spiritual growth in recent months and Kavanagh has seen that shift at the gym. He noted that ‘The Notorious’ trains with purpose and leaves distractions behind, and has also shared the experience with his family.
“I’m not saying anything that he hasn’t already said himself but he had a bit of a spiritual awakening, a bit of a journey,” Kavanagh told The Ariel Helwani Show. “It’s a bit of a different vibe with him, at this stage. A lot of times, he comes to gym, the family are coming down. It’s bit a family day out. But yeah, it’ll be interesting to see how it goes.”
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