Currently, one of the biggest questions in the MMA community regarding Conor McGregor is his next opponent. After suffering a leg injury in his trilogy versus Dustin Poirier in 2021, the former UFC two-division champion was forced to withdraw from combat. Nonetheless, McGregor has fully healed and hinted at a comeback to the UFC early this year. Although no opponent was named, former UFC title challenger Michael Chandler was always in the picture. Furthermore, their rivalry in The Ultimate Fighter season 31 increased the likelihood of their battle. McGregor, on the other hand, is disinterested in fighting Chandler and prefers to face Justin Gaethje.
‘The Notorious’ made this clear shortly after ‘The Highlight’ won the BMF championship against Poirier last week at UFC 291. Since then, fans have been wondering if this battle will take place, so let’s take a look at it.
Conor McGregor vs. Justin Gaethje: Will it take place?
‘The Notorious’ has previously shunned battling Justin Gaethje several times for unknown reasons. However, as soon as Gaethje held the BMF belt, McGregor believed the moment had come for the bout.
While reacting to his victory, McGregor claimed that he could knockout Gaethje in one shot. The Irishman wrote, “I KO him one shot. Guarantee it.” In response to his tweet, ‘The Highlight’ asked McGregor to sign the fight contract. He wrote, “Sign the contract big boy.”
Signed. pic.twitter.com/SJKKDuoVYk
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) August 2, 2023
Following this, the former UFC lightweight champion reacted with a single word. He tweeted a photo of himself with the message “Signed,” implying that he is prepared to battle.
It is vital to emphasize, however, that they have merely verbally consented to the battle. And the UFC has yet to make a statement about it. However, given McGregor’s involvement, it is extremely possible that he will face an opponent of his choosing on his return.
Gaethje accuses McGregor of using steroids
During the post-fight press conference last weekend after UFC 291, Justin Gaethje was questioned about McGregor’s comments, after which he declined to fight the Irish star.
McGregor has ignored him multiple times, according to the BMF star. As a result, he had no desire to face the former lightweight champion. Not only that, but Gaethje also made a nasty jab at ‘The Notorious.’
According to ‘The Highlight,’ McGregor battles against competitors who are on a losing skid. He also stated that he does not prefer to face competitors who use drugs.
However, now Gaethje has changed his tunes on the fight. Thus, it will be interesting to see if UFC will make another BMF title bout.
