Ahead of his return this weekend, a veteran UFC star has revealed Conor McGregor’s lifestyle has seen him ditch the infamous training sessions of old. It is no secret that the 2025 McGregor is a different beast compared to the early days of the ‘Mystic Mac’ and with each passing day, hopes of his eventual return dwindle.
Having trained with McGregor at SBG in Ireland, the Icelandic fan-favorite, Gunnar Nelson has been welcomed with open arms by the community in the capital. However, ahead of his comeback, Nelson has spent the majority of his camp in Croatia. Despite having SBG tactician, John Kavanagh corner him this weekend, Nelson’s once-flowing relationship with McGregor has seen better days.
Sharing many a card with ex-champion, McGregor in the past, Nelson has always been a mainstay with the Irish camp. However, the Mjolnir native admitted this week that their relationship is strained.
Speaking with Ariel Helwani for Uncrowned, Nelson revealed he has not shared the mats with McGregor in years. He admitted that life has changed for both he and McGregor, leading to their split in training regime.
“I haven’t trained with Conor (McGregor) for a long, long time,” Nelson admitted. “We keep in touch sometimes on Instagram and stuff like that. I haven’t met him in a good while. Years.”
Gunnar Nelson says he hasn’t trained with Conor McGregor in years. #HelwaniShow pic.twitter.com/FKE8qsIPDx
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) March 18, 2025
“You know, he’s very busy doing his thing and I’m doing my thing,” Nelson added. “And yeah, I think it’s just life.”
Set to snap a two-year hiatus this weekend, grappling ace, Nelson returns at UFC London. Taking on perennial contender, Kevin Holland, the Iceland star chases his third straight victory.
Meanwhile, seeing his long-time surrounding team split or retire, McGregor himself has yet to make good on a rumored UFC return in years now.
McGregor’s UFC comeback falters and falters
Yet to fight in the last four years, McGregor once spearheaded a massive Irish invasion of the UFC. Pitted against Dustin Poirier last time out, the Dubliner fractured his leg in brutal fashion in their UFC 264 rubber match en route to a loss.
Last year, the 36-year-old was finally booked to return. However, just weeks out from a UFC 303 headliner with Michael Chandler, another injury setback ruled McGregor from proceedings. In the time since, the veteran has yet to sign on the dotted line for a comeback fight.
