Conor McGregor reveals he wants TEN fights in 2025 after returning to sparring and recovering from lengthy injury lay-off – but December comeback is ruled out

Conor McGregor has revealed he wants 10 fights next year as he looks to make up for lost time after battling back to fitness and returning to sparring.

The Notorious’ much-anticipated octagon comeback against Michael Chandler in June was scuppered after he broke a toe in his left foot in training.

A former two-weight UFC champion, McGregor last fought in July 2021, losing to Dustin Poirier in his trilogy bout at UFC 264 and suffering a broken leg.

McGregor, 36, originally targeted a date in December for his first showdown back but UFC CEO Dana White has revealed the Irishman will not fight until early 2025.

Asked how many bouts he will have next year, he said: ‘I don’t know – ten times!’

The Notorious last fought in July 2021 and a comeback this year was derailed due to an injury

Shedding light on his hopes for their poster boy, White told the New York Post: ‘He’s had so much time off. As far as the hunger, he’s a very wealthy guy.

‘We’ll find out. We’ll find out when he comes back.

‘But he is definitely one of the big superstars of the sport that elevated the UFC all throughout Europe and other parts of the world.

‘He’s been a big star and a great partner for us.’

McGregor stepped up his preparations for his comeback and shared footage of his first sparring session back.

McGregor has begun sparring again as he steps up his preparations for his big return

Dana White said McGregor, UFC’s poster boy, would fight in early 2025 and not in December

He had been locked in talks over a new deal before his showdown against Chandler collapsed and his current terms have just two fights remaining.

Despite this, McGregor recently indicated negotiations had been placed on hold. 

‘The fight never happened,’ he told The Sun. ‘So it’s just about getting the fight on.’