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News18
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Conor McGregor Teases UFC Comeback (Yet Again) Amid Skepticism: WATCH
Conor McGregor, 37, announced he's undergone drug testing, aiming to re-enter the UFC after a leg break over four years ago. Another year, another Conor McGregor comeback update. Oh well, given the Irishman's history, take it with a pinch of salt. On Tuesday, the former UFC star announced that he has undergone drug testing—an essential step toward re-entering the UFC's anti-doping pool and making a sanctioned return to the Octagon. McGregor posted a video to social media wearing only his underwear and training, as he pointed to a small bandage near his shoulder, claiming it was from his first blood test in the process of getting cleared to fight again. 'I gave my first blood test, that's the plaster on my shoulder. I am ECSTATIC! I'm in SHAPE!" he wrote in a caption accompanying the video. Conor McGregor says he's officially back in the UFC's testing pool 👀'I gave my first blood test, that's what the plaster is on my shoulder. I am ECSTATIC! I'm in SHAPE!" 🎥 @TheNotoriousMMA — Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 30, 2025 In the same flurry of posts, McGregor—sporting a mohawk—shared a video of himself shadowboxing, appearing lean and well-conditioned. McGregor (22-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) has not fought since suffering a leg break in his second consecutive loss to Dustin Poirier—an injury that took place more than four years ago. He was expected to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, but withdrew due to a fractured baby toe. Now 37 years old, McGregor (yet again) appears eager to finally make a comeback. One potential target: a rumored UFC event at the White House, teased by U.S. President Donald Trump as part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of American independence on July 4, 2026. More Headlines Outside the Cage Than In It For McGregor In recent years, McGregor has made more headlines for his legal troubles and online antics than for anything fight-related. His rap sheet includes a sexual assault liability conviction, multiple assault allegations, and a steady stream of social media controversies. Despite years of hints, promotional hype, and statements from UFC CEO Dana White, McGregor has remained far from a true return. So, is this the time McGregor finally steps back into the cage? Well, fans have grown wary after years of unfulfilled promises. So, you be the judge. view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
South Wales Guardian
3 hours ago
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Luton's ex-Spurs prospect Josh Keeley aiming to make ‘mad' new home a fortress
Keeley joined the Hatters on July 19 for a fee in the region of £1million after a three-year spell on Spurs' books. The 22-year-old Irishman never played for the north London club but, after successful loans at Barnet and Leyton Orient, holds a strong belief that he can become a top-flight keeper ahead of his competitive debut for Luton in Friday's League One opener at home to Wimbledon. Clean sheet ✅Unreal passes ✅ Josh is feeling right at home already 👏 — Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) July 27, 2025 'Being in the club for three years was amazing for me. Obviously I got a taste of being around the first team and what is is like to play in the Premier League,' Keeley told the PA news agency. 'I used to train with the boys all week, so I know and I have got a gist of what it is like. Hopefully in the foreseeable I get myself back there (in the Premier League). 'Luton have very high expectations. Obviously being a Premier League club (in 2023-24), we have got every aim to get promoted to the Championship first and then after that we can worry about going up again. 'This season is important. It starts this week, everyone is looking forward to it and hopefully we can push for promotion.' Keeley arrived at a Luton team reeling from back-to-back relegations, but off the back of his own stellar 2024-25 campaign. A post shared by Josh Keeley (@joshkeeley1) The ex-St Patrick's goalkeeper flourished at Orient in League One, keeping 16 clean sheets to help them make the play-off final at Wembley – where they lost 1-0 to Charlton – and the FA Cup fourth round. Keeley made headlines with his cup exploits, remarkably scoring against Oldham in November before starring in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, but talks over a new deal at Tottenham this summer stalled and he decided to find a permanent home. Ex-Luton player and currently Spurs first-team assistant goalkeeper coach Dean Brill sold his old club to Keeley, who ended up making his debut in a 0-0 pre-season friendly against Tottenham last weekend. Keeley added: 'It was kind of a quick turnaround for me during the week, so I didn't get to say bye to everyone, but yeah, I got to say bye to everyone (on Saturday), so that was good. 'Obviously I spoke with Dean Brill, the goalie coach. He played here as well and he sold it to me. He told me it was a great club and the people here are very good people.' Now Keeley has signed up to help Luton's bid for an instant return to the Championship, he is determined to make Kenilworth Road a fortress again – starting with Friday's visit of Wimbledon. 'I have heard a lot of things over the last couple of years, that it is a bit of a mad place to come,' Keeley said. 'My mates always used to say to me, because a few of them support Premier League teams, they have Luton away next week and they'd all say they're not looking forward to it, so it can definitely be a fortress.' The Hatters' often raucous stadium, where the unusual entrance for away fans at the Oak Road End is on a row of terraced houses, was built in 1905 and has a capacity of 12,056. He added: 'It can definitely be a place where people will struggle to come and get points from, so hopefully we can make it that way.'
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Conor McGregor drops huge hint UFC return is close as he shows off drug test on his yacht
It comes amid a cloud of controversy outside of the octagon TESTING TIMES Conor McGregor drops huge hint UFC return is close as he shows off drug test on his yacht Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CONOR McGREGOR has dropped the biggest hint yet that he is ready for a UFC comeback - by holding a drug test on his yacht. UFC stars are required to return six months of clean doping tests before they are eligible to make a return to the octagon. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Conor McGregor appears to be back in the UFC's drug testing programme Credit: INSTAGRAM @thenotoriousmma 7 McGregor gave a blood and urine sample Credit: INSTAGRAM @thenotoriousmma 7 McGregor is already back training Credit: INSTAGRAM @thenotoriousmma And McGregor appears to have kickstarted the process after uploading pictures online of the testing process while on a luxury yacht abroad. The Irishman - still sporting a bizarre mohawk haircut - had blood taken from his shoulder and urine collected. Quoting Will Ferrell's 2006 Talladega Nights character Ricky Bobby, McGregor wrote: "I p*** excellence." McGregor has not fought since July 2021 - when he brutally broke his leg against Dustin Poirier. READ MORE ON CONOR McGREGOR LEFT ON RED Conor McGregor's fiancee stuns in red bikini in defiant response to kiss storm A toe injury last June also forced McGregor out of his proposed comeback bout against Michael Chandler in Las Vegas. The former two-weight UFC champion wants to fight on the UFC's proposed event on the grounds of the White House. It comes after US President Donald Trump announced crazy plans to host a fight card at the Oval Office. But McGregor has been clouded by a string of controversies outside of the cage. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The Sun first reported how the multimillionaire fighter was caught appearing to kiss a mystery woman on a beach in Florida. Just days later, McGregor was spotted with the same woman enjoying a meal in Fort Lauderdale. Conor McGregor shows off bizarre new hair after whisking fiancee Dee Devlin away amid UFC star's kiss with mystery woman To make matters worse, American rapper Azealia Banks accused McGregor of sending her unsolicited nude photos. The alleged naked pictures were then posted online - and later deleted - by the New York performer. McGregor responded by whisking his finacee Dee Devlin away to Sardinia to celebrate his birthday amid the controversy surrounding him. In December, the mulitimillionaire fighter was found liable for assault in a civil case against him dating back to 2018. The court heard how the professional fighter was said to have "brutally raped and battered" Nikita Hand in a penthouse at the Beacon Hotel. McGregor - who was ordered to pay Ms Hand about £206,000 in damages and pay her legal costs - has since sought an appeal. 7 Dee Devlin and McGregor on holiday with their four kids Credit: instagram 7 The long-time couple posed on the beach Credit: instagram McGregor also punched a man in an Ibiza nightclub in June - with The Sun capturing the shocking moment. But the man - who works for Wayne Lineker - did not press charges. While away with his fiancee and four kids - Conor Jr, eight, Croia, six, Rian four and Mack, one - McGregor's pub was the target of an arson attack. Detectives believe a person doused the Black Forge Inn with a "flammable liquid" at 3am. It's understood the suspect used a flammable liquid at the front of the premises before setting it on fire and then fleeing the scene. Gardai are examining CCTV from the area in a bid to identify the suspect. It's the second time McGregor's pub has been targeted in an arson attack. In 2022, a petrol bomb was thrown at the bar but it failed to ignite. 7 McGregor has not fought since 2021 Credit: Getty 7 In December, McGregor was found liable for assault in a civil case against him Credit: PA
Leader Live
5 hours ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Luton's ex-Spurs prospect Josh Keeley aiming to make ‘mad' new home a fortress
Keeley joined the Hatters on July 19 for a fee in the region of £1million after a three-year spell on Spurs' books. The 22-year-old Irishman never played for the north London club but, after successful loans at Barnet and Leyton Orient, holds a strong belief that he can become a top-flight keeper ahead of his competitive debut for Luton in Friday's League One opener at home to Wimbledon. Clean sheet ✅Unreal passes ✅ Josh is feeling right at home already 👏 — Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) July 27, 2025 'Being in the club for three years was amazing for me. Obviously I got a taste of being around the first team and what is is like to play in the Premier League,' Keeley told the PA news agency. 'I used to train with the boys all week, so I know and I have got a gist of what it is like. Hopefully in the foreseeable I get myself back there (in the Premier League). 'Luton have very high expectations. Obviously being a Premier League club (in 2023-24), we have got every aim to get promoted to the Championship first and then after that we can worry about going up again. 'This season is important. It starts this week, everyone is looking forward to it and hopefully we can push for promotion.' Keeley arrived at a Luton team reeling from back-to-back relegations, but off the back of his own stellar 2024-25 campaign. A post shared by Josh Keeley (@joshkeeley1) The ex-St Patrick's goalkeeper flourished at Orient in League One, keeping 16 clean sheets to help them make the play-off final at Wembley – where they lost 1-0 to Charlton – and the FA Cup fourth round. Keeley made headlines with his cup exploits, remarkably scoring against Oldham in November before starring in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, but talks over a new deal at Tottenham this summer stalled and he decided to find a permanent home. Ex-Luton player and currently Spurs first-team assistant goalkeeper coach Dean Brill sold his old club to Keeley, who ended up making his debut in a 0-0 pre-season friendly against Tottenham last weekend. Keeley added: 'It was kind of a quick turnaround for me during the week, so I didn't get to say bye to everyone, but yeah, I got to say bye to everyone (on Saturday), so that was good. 'Obviously I spoke with Dean Brill, the goalie coach. He played here as well and he sold it to me. He told me it was a great club and the people here are very good people.' Now Keeley has signed up to help Luton's bid for an instant return to the Championship, he is determined to make Kenilworth Road a fortress again – starting with Friday's visit of Wimbledon. 'I have heard a lot of things over the last couple of years, that it is a bit of a mad place to come,' Keeley said. 'My mates always used to say to me, because a few of them support Premier League teams, they have Luton away next week and they'd all say they're not looking forward to it, so it can definitely be a fortress.' The Hatters' often raucous stadium, where the unusual entrance for away fans at the Oak Road End is on a row of terraced houses, was built in 1905 and has a capacity of 12,056. He added: 'It can definitely be a place where people will struggle to come and get points from, so hopefully we can make it that way.'
The Herald Scotland
6 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Luton's ex-Spurs prospect Josh Keeley aiming to make ‘mad' new home a fortress
The 22-year-old Irishman never played for the north London club but, after successful loans at Barnet and Leyton Orient, holds a strong belief that he can become a top-flight keeper ahead of his competitive debut for Luton in Friday's League One opener at home to Wimbledon. Clean sheet ✅Unreal passes ✅ Josh is feeling right at home already 👏 — Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) July 27, 2025 'Being in the club for three years was amazing for me. Obviously I got a taste of being around the first team and what is is like to play in the Premier League,' Keeley told the PA news agency. 'I used to train with the boys all week, so I know and I have got a gist of what it is like. Hopefully in the foreseeable I get myself back there (in the Premier League). 'Luton have very high expectations. Obviously being a Premier League club (in 2023-24), we have got every aim to get promoted to the Championship first and then after that we can worry about going up again. 'This season is important. It starts this week, everyone is looking forward to it and hopefully we can push for promotion.' Keeley arrived at a Luton team reeling from back-to-back relegations, but off the back of his own stellar 2024-25 campaign. The ex-St Patrick's goalkeeper flourished at Orient in League One, keeping 16 clean sheets to help them make the play-off final at Wembley – where they lost 1-0 to Charlton – and the FA Cup fourth round. Keeley made headlines with his cup exploits, remarkably scoring against Oldham in November before starring in a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, but talks over a new deal at Tottenham this summer stalled and he decided to find a permanent home. Ex-Luton player and currently Spurs first-team assistant goalkeeper coach Dean Brill sold his old club to Keeley, who ended up making his debut in a 0-0 pre-season friendly against Tottenham last weekend. Keeley added: 'It was kind of a quick turnaround for me during the week, so I didn't get to say bye to everyone, but yeah, I got to say bye to everyone (on Saturday), so that was good. 'Obviously I spoke with Dean Brill, the goalie coach. He played here as well and he sold it to me. He told me it was a great club and the people here are very good people.' General view of the action as the sun starts to set during a Premier League match at Kenilworth Road in February 2024 (Robbie Stephenson/PA) Now Keeley has signed up to help Luton's bid for an instant return to the Championship, he is determined to make Kenilworth Road a fortress again – starting with Friday's visit of Wimbledon. 'I have heard a lot of things over the last couple of years, that it is a bit of a mad place to come,' Keeley said. 'My mates always used to say to me, because a few of them support Premier League teams, they have Luton away next week and they'd all say they're not looking forward to it, so it can definitely be a fortress.' The Hatters' often raucous stadium, where the unusual entrance for away fans at the Oak Road End is on a row of terraced houses, was built in 1905 and has a capacity of 12,056. He added: 'It can definitely be a place where people will struggle to come and get points from, so hopefully we can make it that way.'
