Overview

• At a New York Q&A on August 3, Nurmagomedov invoked Islamic teachings to stress that Allah always offers a path to return and urged McGregor to change his life
• McGregor has not fought since breaking his leg at UFC 264 in July 2021 and recently re-entered the UFC’s drug testing pool to advance his comeback prospects
• The Irishman remains liable under a Dublin civil verdict over a 2018 sexual assault incident, a ruling he declined to appeal and that carries ongoing legal implications
• McGregor has expressed interest in headlining the UFC’s July 4, 2026 White House card as a potential stage for his return to competition
• Nurmagomedov’s appeal marks a remarkable turn from their bitter UFC 229 rivalry and signals an unexpected message of forgiveness and second chances