Paul, 28, shared a heartfelt update with fans, tweeting: “God is great. Broken jaw, but brain and spine all clear. Never been more motivated. Merry Christmas to all around the world. Never stop trying to be great. You are guaranteed 100% failure if you don’t try.”

While McGregor initially agreed with Paul’s message, he added a sharp jab of his own. “Indeed! God is great! Enjoy your Christmas smoothies, bro,” McGregor wrote in a tweet that he later deleted, mocking Paul’s recovery diet after the brutal loss against Joshua.

Will McGregor step back into the Octagon soon?

The former dual-weight UFC champion hasn’t fought since suffering a broken leg at UFC 264 in July 2021. However, McGregor is preparing for a comeback, targeting the UFC White House card on June 14, 2026.

Who could be McGregor’s next opponent?

Michael Chandler has long pursued a bout with McGregor and is currently considered the frontrunner to welcome him back to MMA. UFC CEO Dana White is expected to finalize the White House card in February, which will reveal McGregor’s opponent and the full lineup for the historic event.

One name recently involved in Paul’s commentary is former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor. While many expected Paul to target McGregor for a potential boxing showdown, he has now removed the Irish superstar from his list of possible opponents. The move, according to Paul, isn’t just about strategy—it’s about assessing McGregor’s current status in combat sports.

“He’s fried,” Paul told ESPN when discussing why McGregor is no longer on his hit list. He added, “He’s not going to fight again,” hinting that McGregor may be stepping away from competitive combat, at least in boxing terms.

Could McGregor return to boxing?

Although McGregor hasn’t returned to the ring since losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021, reports suggest he is preparing for a comeback at the UFC White House event in 2026, where he is expected to face Michael Chandler. However, no official bout announcements have been made yet, leaving fans to speculate about his competitive future.

Paul eyes other opponents

Paul also discussed the potential of facing UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, who has regained his title after defeating Magomed Ankalaev. Pereira is now looking toward a high-profile fight against Jon Jones, making him an intriguing, yet formidable, potential opponent for Paul in the boxing ring.

With victories over Mike Tyson, Anderson Silva, and Tyron Woodley, Paul has proven he can compete against elite combat sports athletes. However, any matchup against Pereira would represent a significant challenge given the Brazilian’s prime boxing form.

While Paul has steadily improved his boxing skills, McGregor’s activity in combat sports has slowed significantly since his last fight in 2021. This contrast has further fueled Paul’s confidence and reinforced his view that a matchup is unlikely.

Paul, believes the UFC star is aware of the risks. “I doubt it, because I just don’t think he would take that risk. He knows I’m a better striker and boxer than him,” Paul said, speaking to reporters in Miami.

Why Jake Paul thinks McGregor won’t accept the challenge

Paul pointed out that McGregor previously entertained a bout with his brother, Logan Paul, yet that fight also never materialized. “They talked for months, but nothing came out of it,” Paul recalled. “He talks a lot but rarely follows through. I’m still improving every day, while nobody knows what that guy is doing.”

McGregor’s return timeline remains uncertain

McGregor, 37, has not competed since his July 2021 loss to Dustin Poirier. An expected return against Michael Chandler last year was derailed by injury, and multiple missed drug tests in 2024 resulted in an 18-month suspension, delaying his UFC comeback until 2026.

Paul’s comments signal a shift in focus. He continues to enhance his boxing skills and training while leaving the McGregor matchup in the realm of speculation, signaling confidence that he is the one progressing, while McGregor remains on the sidelines.

“The rumors of a bout with UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria are false,” McGregor wrote. “I am in preliminary agreements with the Ambani family to face Logan Paul in a boxing exhibition in India. I have agreed. I will then seek my return to the Octagon.”

However, things have taken an unexpected turn. According to an ESPN KnockOut report, Salvador Rodriguez tweeted about a possible change in plans, stating: “Jake Paul vs. Conor McGregor on the table for July, August, or September 2025 in India…”

What Did Jake Paul Say About the Fight Against McGregor?

Jake Paul, aware of the growing speculation, broke his silence with a cryptic message on his X account: “Shhh.” This followed an earlier statement where the young boxer made it clear that he would only consider a fight with McGregor if the UFC and Dana White were directly involved in the negotiations.

“Now it all makes sense why Conor McGregor and his management team have been desperately trying to get MVP to negotiate for a fight between us,” Paul wrote in a previous tweet. “As we told them privately & I’m now saying it publicly… The only way we’re willing to explore me vs. Conor in a pro boxing/MMA fight is if Dana White/UFC are at the table directly or make it clear they are ok with discussions. Conor is washed. Needs the Pauls. Logan by however he wants.”

Jake Paul vs. Conor McGregor: A Fight That Could Capture Global Attention

A potential matchup between Jake Paul and Conor McGregor could become one of the biggest events in combat sports history. Jake Paul, with a solid professional record and victories over several notable figures, has made a name for himself as a force to be reckoned with in boxing.

There are several important champions in the UFC that currently hold each title. Names like Israel Adesanya or Leon Edwards are well deserved champions at the middleweight and welterweight categories, respectively. But there are fighters like Jon Jones that attract more people to the sport.

Right up there with Jones is Connor McGregor. The Irish has always been a selling point despite his prime as a fighter is now a couple of years in the past. Although him not having success in the octagon recently hasn’t impacted his figure as an entertainer.

McGregor has been selected to be a coach in The Ultimate Fighter. This is a reality show where fighters have a chance to become part of the UFC. A big portion of the interest is also in the fight between coaches, that will have him fighting against Michael Chandler.

When is Connor McGregor vs Michael Chandler?

The Ultimate Fighter focuses primarily on the young prospects, but there is no denying that having a high-profile coach on one team adds extra interest. Him being present there also means that he’ll return to fighting after the fracture he suffered in 2021 when he lost to Dustin Poirier. That was the last time he has stepped in an octagon.

UFC has strict rules when it comes to the availability of the fighters. In order for a retired fighter to be part of an UFC card he/she has to be at least six months in the United States Anti-Doping Agency testing pool. That means he has to follow protocols supervised by USADA’s to be able to return. He said that he is entering the program, so the clock should be ticking by now.

That’s why Connor McGregor vs Michael Chandler doesn’t have a set date yet. It’s confirmed that they are fighting, although the exact day hasn’t been established. The expectation is that McGregor will fight Chandler later in the year. “I don’t have a date, but I’m obviously shooting for the end of this year”, UFC president Danna White said on The Mac Life recently.