Conor McGregor accused of 'bullying' young fighters amid UFC comeback

Conor McGregor has faced fierce backlash after new training footage surfaced ahead of his potential UFC comeback.

The 37-year-old former two-weight UFC champion hasn't stepped into the octagon since his defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. He was set to make a spectacular return last year against Michael Chandler, but was forced to withdraw from the bout after sustaining a training injury.

In recent months, the 'Notorious' has gradually increased his training intensity and has been sharing regular workout clips online whilst discussions continue about a possible return. The Irishman has recently been spotted working the Thai pads during his trip to Italy, reports All Out Fighting.

READ MORE: Akinwale Arobieke dead UPDATES: Notorious bodybuilder who touched men's muscles dies

READ MORE: UK billionaire artist owns incredible mansion 'as long as Buckingham Palace'

Additionally, he has resumed sparring sessions. Last weekend, the UFC icon was captured exchanging blows with two young sparring partners. The clip has subsequently gone viral online - with numerous fans voicing their opinions on the footage. It's safe to say the 37-year-old showed no mercy and was delivering significant strikes.

MMA fans were swift to flood the comments, with one user writing: "Hmmm. Not a good look for McGregor." Another responded: "Still an embarrassing show. He is such a shell of his former self," whilst a third user remarked: "Bullying young fighters."

One social media user commented: "Embarrassing," while another fan responded: "McGregor beating up 12-year-old kids - what a downfall." Another chimed in with: "Bro is going to give them a concussion!" However, not all the feedback was negative, with some seeing the positive side of the clip and believing that the Irishman was providing the young fighters with valuable experience.

"He's a great teacher cause nobody will take it easy in them in the octagon," one person wrote. "It's better that way, for them to build toughness," added another. While another user posted: "If you've ever sparred a bigger, more experienced fighter, you know this is not going hard. Very good for young fighters to experience this."

Meanwhile, amid rumours of a potential UFC comeback, BKFC boss David Feldman recently hinted that the Irishman could be making his bare-knuckle boxing debut soon - despite having two fights left on his current UFC contract.

"We were supposed to have my partner, my friend Conor McGregor was going to be here today, but he couldn't make it last minute because he's actually very, very focused. It's the best Conor McGregor I've ever seen," Feldman revealed at the BKFC press conference. "He's training hard, he's focused because he said one of you two guys (pointing at Perry and Stephens) is his next fight."

When is Conor McGregor's next fight?

Despite Feldman's comments, supporters are eager to witness McGregor return to the UFC octagon. Back in July, US President Donald Trump disclosed his intentions to host a UFC event at the White House next July. UFC supremo Dana White subsequently confirmed these arrangements and disclosed the event would take place on American Independence Day on July 4, 2026.

During a recent appearance on Pardon My Take, White was quizzed about McGregor's potential return. "He's been posting videos of himself training. He's back in the [testing] pool now," noted the UFC boss. "He wants the White House fight." He added: "If he starts training and getting in shape... that is the fight he wants. He keeps telling me he wants that fight, so we will see how it plays out over the next several months."