Conor McGregor’s latest boxing sparring footage didn’t impress Jake Paul.
UFC superstar Conor McGregor seems serious about a return to the Octagon next year, as he recently returned to the promotion’s drug testing pool and training. McGregor hasn’t fought since injuring his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264, and was supposed to return at UFC 303 last year before withdrawing due to injury.
As McGregor attempts to get back into fight shape, he’s posted numerous clips of him training in hopes of getting on the UFC’s planned White House card. Michael Chandler is the most likely opponent for McGregor’s return to the Octagon after their coached against each other on The Ultimate Fighter 31.
One of McGregor’s longtime detractors isn’t impressed by his latest comeback attempt.
Jake Paul slams Conor McGregor after sparring footage goes viral
Jake Paul and McGregor have traded barbs for years, stemming from Paul’s numerous boxing callouts in an attempt to lure McGregor to the ring. McGregor and the Paul brothers shared a mostly cordial interaction while attending U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration earlier this year.
Amid McGregor’s latest comeback attempt, he shared some recent sparring footage on social media, training with an inexperienced teammate. After fans were split on whether or not McGregor should’ve sparred with someone who has little experience, Paul went off in response.
In a recent post to X, Paul reacted to McGregor’s latest sparring session.
“Hey man today is my first class! I’m so excited!”
“That’s great man – you’re going to be sparring Conor McGregor” pic.twitter.com/QN5PByyWzx
— Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) August 13, 2025
“This is why boxers obliterate these dumb— MMA fighters is because this is some fake a– sparring with some random who is a victim and not good enough to be in there,” Paul posted.
Paul has defeated several prominent MMA fighters during his polarizing boxing career. He’s earned wins over former UFC champions Anderson Silva and Tyron Woodley, along with former superstar Nate Diaz, during his time in the ring.
As of this writing, McGregor hasn’t responded to Paul’s latest taunts. In addition to his planned comeback, he’s running in the upcoming Irish Presidential Election, which few give him any chance of winning.
UFC CEO Dana White spoke with McGregor about his future plans in an intriguing conversation he recently revealed.
Dana White spoke with Conor McGregor after recent return to training
White seems open to granting McGregor the headlining spot for the UFC’s planned card at The White House next year. But almost a full year until the event, details are still being ironed out regarding the unprecedented card.
After the UFC confirmed its plans to host the card, McGregor re-entered into the UFC’s drug testing pool, as he told his business partner Bare Knuckle FC founder David Feldman. McGregor will have to be in the pool for at least six months before being eligible to return to competition.
McGregor has lost three of his last four fights, including back-to-back defeats to Poirier in 2021. His last win came against Donald Cerrone in a welterweight headliner at UFC 246.