Conor McGregor's return to the UFC has been a controversial topic in recent years, with uncertainty surrounding his comeback. Once a premier attraction, he has recently been viewed as unreliable, with his return not materializing since 2021. However, there is now a more positive outlook, as he appears focused and was recently seen training with Dong Hyun Kim .
Kim is a former UFC welterweight who competed in the promotion from 2008 to 2017, building a 22-4-1 professional record and establishing himself as one of South Korea's most successful fighters. Nicknamed the 'Stun Gun', Kim fought during a period that overlapped with McGregor's rise in the UFC, particularly in the mid-2010s. However, they competed in different weight classes and never faced each other.
The footage shows the former double champ largely controlling the sparring exchanges against Kim. He pressed forward, landed clean strikes, and dictated the pace through several sequences. Kim remained defensive for stretches, as the exchanges highlighted the Irishman's timing and overall sharpness. The session also reflected a controlled training environment rather than a fully competitive bout with sustained intensity throughout.
This training footage was recorded during a period when McGregor was strongly linked with a potential UFC return. He first made his intentions clear by targeting the upcoming White House event. However, when that did not materialize, speculation shifted toward a comeback at International Fight Week against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
McGregor has also stated that he is ready to return and is currently awaiting an official contract. The Irishman has not only recently returned to training in recent months but has also remained active in other combat settings.
'Mystic Mac' was also seen at the Crumlin Boxing Club just weeks earlier, where he took part in a three-round exhibition boxing match. The outing highlighted his continued sharpness and suggested he still carries elements of the form he displayed during his tenure as a UFC champion.
Dong Hyun Kim has been gradually returning to the public eye through recent training appearances and visible activity. The former UFC welterweight was also seen working with lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett, further demonstrating his continued involvement in MMA. These sessions reflect his ongoing presence in the sport while also linking to Conor McGregor's preparations for a potential UFC comeback.
Ever since Conor McGregor has been rumored to be returning, fans have been weighing in on potential matchups. Names like Michael Chandler and Carlos Prates have also been suggested. However, one consistent name has been Max Holloway, largely due to their long-standing back-and-forth over the years. This ongoing rivalry has continued to fuel interest in a rematch.
Holloway first faced Conor McGregor at UFC Fight Night 26 in 2013 in a featherweight bout. The Irishman won by unanimous decision over three rounds, despite suffering a knee injury early in the fight that limited his movement. UFC legend Daniel Cormier has since stated that Holloway is highly motivated to pursue a rematch, reflecting the lasting significance of their first meeting.
I got so many are wondering, do you want to fight Conor McGregor?' and Max said to me 'I'm training right now because it's all I want. Not only because I know it will bring eyes to me and my product, but I know I gotta get that back. When we fought, I was a little boy.
Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channelConor McGregor has also been critical of discussions around Holloway competing for the BMF belt at UFC 326 against Charles Oliveira. 'The Notorious' had argued that the symbolic title was originally intended for the welterweight division rather than for lightweight matchups. He also questioned Oliveira's win over Holloway, adding further fuel to the long-running narrative between the fighters.
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