As he nears his return, Conor McGregor has set himself a monumental task. If all goes well in his first outing in almost half a decade, the former two-division UFC champion wants to add Islam Makhachev’s title to his resume.
McGregor is seeking to add further success to an already established career inside the octagon, after he was the first in UFC history to hold belts in two separate divisions simultaneously. This achievement started a trend among his fellow fighters, with most champions wanting to follow suit and add their name to the exclusive double champion list, but ‘The Notorious’ wants to set the world alight one last time before retirement.
Breaking the boundaries set by those before him and setting his own records has become a staple of Conor McGregor’s rise to the top. As he navigates through the latter stages of his career, McGregor has his sights set on more history — Islam Makhachev’s welterweight crown.
Before he can get any significant opportunities, the Irishman must first prove he’s capable of putting on the same level of performances the world became accustomed to during his prime.
His reported first stop back inside the cage will unfold when the UFC visits the White House in June. Despite no confirmations coming from the company as of yet, Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler seem to be locked in on a fight at the once-in-a-lifetime event.
“The White House is on,” McGregor confirmed about his rumored clash against Chandler. “We’re just waiting for full confirmation. I assume around February, they’ll come reaching out, and we’ll go into contract negotiations and matchmaking orders. That’s what they say.”
“I’m just staying ready. In the gym, you know, two times a day.”
If all goes to plan for Conor McGregor, he will step into the octagon on June 14, put on another showstopping display, and walk away with his first UFC win since January 2020.
If he manages to beat his next opponent—who’ll most likely be Michael Chandler—what’s next for the sport’s biggest star?
The 37-year-old appears to be a different man lately, compared to the one who has been unable to keep himself out of career-destroying issues over the past few years. Ready and motivated to make a comeback for the ages, McGregor has his crosshairs planted on Islam Makhachev’s throne.
Blood has been spilled between McGregor and Makhachev’s team, which is still serving as one of the UFC’s longest active rivalries. Even after many years, the feud continues to burn strong, and another saga may still be etched in the octagon between the Irish and the Dagestanis.
“I’m motivated. I’m self-motivated,” McGregor continued. “And I for sure want a crack at that [welterweight] belt.”
“I for sure want a crack at that 170-pound belt to go for the triple crown… It’d be a good fight. It’d be a good scrap. Southpaw vs. Southpaw.”
Related: Michael Chandler says Conor McGregor fight is happening
In what has become a rare commodity between the two sides, Conor McGregor went on to compliment Islam Makhachev.
Despite doubts about his ability to perform with the added weight, Makhachev put on a career performance when he dominated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 to add his name to the two-weight world champions list.
Along with many others, the showing impressed McGregor, who gave the champion his flowers.
“It was a good performance out of him,” McGregor said regarding Makhachev’s welterweight title-winning victory. “And fair play to him. He had the courage to do it, to go up.”
“So yeah, I’m excited for it. Let’s see what happens. Let’s get back in the mix.”
Though all signs point to Michael Chandler standing across from Conor McGregor upon his return, McGregor planted seeds of doubt as to who could be next.
“Like I said, I hope [it’s Chandler], but I won’t say no to no one. I won’t.”
“The UFC will decide it. And I don’t care, I just want to come back, you know. I’m just eager to come back and show my work.”
