Conor McGregor Eyes Historic Third UFC Title: 'I Want a Crack at That 170-Pound Belt'

A Stunning Ask But McGregor Isn’t Backing Down

Makhachev, fresh off a successful move to welterweight after defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, sits atop MMA Fighting’s Pound-for-Pound rankings. Justifying a title fight for a 37-year-old McGregor winless since 2020 and out of action since 2021 would be one of the UFC’s most ambitious promotional moves ever.

But Conor McGregor insists he sees a compelling matchup. “It would be a good fight, a good scrap southpaw, southpaw,” McGregor said. “It was a good performance out of him and fair play to him, he had the courage to go up. So yeah, I’m excited for it. Let’s see what happens.”

The Irish superstar is also clearly aware of the history that shadows any McGregor–Makhachev promotion. Makhachev is the protégé of former lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, McGregor’s bitter rival whose 2018 win at UFC 229 sparked a post-fight melee, fines, and suspensions on both sides. A McGregor–Makhachev fight would be the spiritual sequel.

What About Michael Chandler? McGregor: “I Won’t Say No to No One.”

Conor McGregor’s long-discussed comeback opponent has been Michael Chandler, with the two coaching opposite teams on The Ultimate Fighter 31 before being booked for UFC 303 in June 2024. McGregor withdrew due to a toe injury, and the fight never materialized.

If the UFC still wants it, he’s open to it. “I won’t say no to no one,” McGregor said. “The UFC will decide it and I don’t care, I just want to come back.”

For now, McGregor claims he’s in the gym twice a day, waiting.