Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated return to the UFC Octagon remains uncertain, but the conversation around his next opponent is heating up.
With his fight against Michael Chandler seemingly off the table for now, fans and fighters alike are wondering who McGregor will face when he finally steps back into the cage. One name that has resurfaced is Justin Gaethje.
Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, recently told TMZ Sports that the 35-year-old fighter would be more than willing to take on McGregor. “If this is what Conor wants, and if this is what the UFC wants, I think Justin Gaethje would love to smash his face. 100%,” Abdelaziz said. He also added, “Everybody knows I don’t like [McGregor]. None of us like him. But Justin is open to it.”
UFC NEWS & RUMORS: Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje Updates
Despite Gaethje’s willingness, the bigger question is whether McGregor will agree to the fight. Abdelaziz expressed doubts about whether McGregor will fight again, stating, “I personally don’t think [Conor’s] ever going to fight again.” However, if McGregor is ready, Gaethje is fully on board.
McGregor’s Future: Will He Return to the Octagon?
McGregor hasn’t fought since 2021, when he broke his leg in a bout against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. His return has been the subject of much speculation, with rumors of a fight against Michael Chandler for UFC 303 in July falling through after McGregor suffered a broken toe.
Now that Chandler is scheduled to fight Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 in November, McGregor’s fighting future remains in limbo.
While Gaethje is ready to face McGregor, Abdelaziz made it clear that Chandler was always the easier fight for McGregor. “Justin Gaethje would inflict more damage,” Abdelaziz said, implying that a fight against Gaethje would be a tougher challenge.
UFC NEWS & RUMORS: Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje Updates
Michael Chandler, who has been waiting for his shot at McGregor for over two years, still believes that McGregor will return, but the timeline remains unclear. “I do think he returns,” Chandler told MMA Fighting. “I believe he’s romantic about it. I believe that he loves the sport.” Chandler is confident that when McGregor does come back, he will be ready for him.
What’s Next for McGregor?
Despite the uncertainty, McGregor’s name continues to dominate conversations in the UFC. A potential fight with Justin Gaethje is appealing to fans, but it ultimately depends on whether McGregor decides to return.
Abdelaziz hinted that McGregor could even have bigger ambitions if he comes back, stating that if McGregor called the UFC and asked to fight Gaethje, followed by a title shot against Islam Makhachev, the UFC would likely agree.
Gaethje’s last fight was a knockdown, drag-out battle against Max Holloway at UFC 300, while McGregor has been inactive since his leg injury in 2021. The prospect of a fight between these two has been discussed for years but has never materialized.
UFC NEWS & RUMORS: Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje Updates
For now, McGregor’s return remains speculative, but fans and fighters alike are eager to see what’s next for the former UFC champion.
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