The cast of Road House 2 is taking shape, and while several UFC stars are joining the sequel, Conor McGregor is reportedly not among them. According to Deadline, Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, Michael “Venom” Page, Tyron Woodley, and kickboxing champion Rico Verhoeven have signed on for the Amazon MGM production. Jake Gyllenhaal will reprise his role as Elwood Dalton, a UFC fighter-turned-bouncer, in the follow-up to the 2024 remake.
McGregor, who played the antagonist Knox in the first installment, is not expected to return. The sequel will continue the franchise’s integration of real-life fighters into its action-heavy narrative.
Fighter Lineup and Production Notes
Road House 2 will feature a roster of combat sports veterans, including recently retired Poirier and Woodley. Chandler, who was previously scheduled to fight McGregor in 2024 before the bout was canceled, is also confirmed.
Jay Hieron, a UFC alum who appeared in the 2024 film, will return. The sequel is expected to shoot across multiple locations including the U.K., Malta, and Savannah, Georgia.
McGregor’s Absence and Industry Commentary
McGregor’s absence comes amid ongoing legal and athletic setbacks. He is currently serving a UFC ban for multiple drug-test whereabouts failures and will be eligible to fight again in March 2026.
While McGregor’s performance in the first film drew mixed reviews, his star power contributed to Road House drawing 80 million viewers in its first eight weeks on Prime Video. His exclusion from the sequel may reflect a shift in casting priorities or scheduling conflicts.
Franchise Direction and UFC Integration
The inclusion of active and retired fighters suggests Amazon MGM is doubling down on authenticity. Poirier and Chandler’s real-life rivalry adds narrative depth, while Verhoeven’s kickboxing pedigree expands the film’s combat appeal.
McGregor’s absence removes a polarizing figure but may streamline production and reduce off-screen distractions. The sequel’s success could influence future collaborations between UFC and Hollywood.
What’s Next: Filming Timeline and Release Expectations
Production is slated to begin in early 2026, with a release window likely in late 2026 or early 2027. Marketing will emphasize the expanded fighter cast and Gyllenhaal’s return.
Further casting announcements are expected in the coming months, with Amazon MGM likely to leverage UFC events for promotional synergy.
