Being away from the octagon for over two years, Conor McGregor has managed to remain in the MMA community’s spotlight by engaging in controversial Tweet exchanges. Recently, the Irishman has been involved in a war of words with Justin Gaethje, which has led fans to believe that Michael Chandler might not be considered for Conor’s comeback fight.
Gaethje’s impressive performance against Dustin Poirier in UFC 291 has further fueled excitement for a potential showdown with Mystic Mac, creating a heated atmosphere between The Highlight and The Notorious.
Justin Gaethje challenges McGregor for BMF title fight
Gaethje’s revengeful victory over Diamond with a head kick in the second round of UFC 291 headliner was truly remarkable. However, McGregor wasn’t entirely impressed with Justin’s win and confidently expressed on Twitter that he could knock out ‘The Highlight’ with a single shot.
Justin Gaethje vs. Conor McGregor, anyone…? 👀 pic.twitter.com/qxgPk1lLOX
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) August 1, 2023
“Justin, I’ll slap you around. I’m the real BMF, he can fight for pennies if he wants but I want spirits, I call the shots, I’m in it to launch shots, f—k Chandler, you want it call for it.” McGregor said.
Gaethje, who is considered as a captivating fighter in the lightweight division, has never faced McGregor. In the post-fight press conference at Salt Lake City, the new BMF title holder expressed he would reject a fight with Conor due to concerns about potential steroid use.
The situation has taken a different twist a few days later as Gaethje has challenged McGregor to sign a contract to face him in the octagon. McGregor responded in his typical fashion making fun of the situation.
Justin Gaethje is just the fifth fighter to win a UFC PPV main event by head kick knockout 🤯 #UFC291 pic.twitter.com/yomFB49HP4
— 𝕂𝕚𝕞𝕓𝕠’𝕤 𝕀𝕔𝕖💎🍻 (@ortega_szn) July 30, 2023
Chandler’s bout vs McGregor dead and buried following recent development
Amidst Gaethje’s interest and Conor’s verbal exchanges, fans wonder if Michael Chandler sees this as a way to be sidelined. However, in a recent interview with ESPN, Chandler expressed his lack of concern about a potential Gaethje-McGregor bout.
“I’m not really that worried about it. I believe the fight is happening. I’m still the most entertaining guy on the daggone roster. Everyone wants to see the greatest comeback in combat sports history, so I think it’s going to be me and Conor. That’s it.” Chandler said.
‘Iron’ firmly believes that his fight with the former two-division champion will happen regardless, and he’s confident that he can knock Conor out within the first two rounds without any doubts.
Who would you rather see Conor McGregor face next?🤔#UFC291 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/SqubhcuCZT
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) August 2, 2023
Do you think Conor McGregor will face Justin Gaethje instead of Michael Chandler in his return bout? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
