Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury says his recent back-and-forth with Conor McGregor on social media wasn’t what most think it was.
McGregor and Fury recently went at it on social media after Fury posted a message of support for McGregor’s longtime rival Khabib Nurmagomedov. The two engaged in a bit of a roast fest on social media, and it seemed that there was genuine animosity between the two stars.
“Bit of a publicity stunt. Super Bowl weekend, all eyes on us,” Fury said.
Fury went on to clarify that he feels there’s no genuine hatred between him and McGregor.
“Beef? Man’s 10 stone. I’m 20 stone, behave yourselves. Only beef we would have is me eating him in a beef sandwich.”
McGregor is preparing for a return to the Octagon later this year against a to-be-named opponent. He has hinted that he will get a lightweight title shot upon his return to the UFC.
Fury and McGregor are arguably two of the most popular combat sports figures today but are also known for their attempts at mental warfare. Yet, it appears that Fury doesn’t hold any genuine dislike for McGregor.
What do you make of Tyson Fury’s reflections on his Twitter banter with Conor McGregor?
UFC superstar Conor McGregor is interested in pitching an offer to buy Chelsea Football Club after the club’s owner put it up for sale this week.
McGregor is expected to return to the Octagon later this year after suffering a nasty leg break at UFC 264. He’s been focusing on his recovery while enjoying his usual lavish lifestyle leading up to his eventual return to the cage.
McGregor topped the Forbes’ Top 100 highest-earning athletes in 2021, over top athletes such as footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. His earnings skyrocketed following his rise to UFC supremacy along with his ‘money fight’ with Floyd Mayweather in the boxing ring.
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich announced this week that he intends to put Chelsea FC up for sale amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It appears that McGregor is one of the top names who has teased interest in pitching an offer to Abramovich.
In a recent tweet, McGregor screenshotted a text conversation with an unknown colleague expressing his interest in buying Chelsea FC.
Just last year, McGregor teased a potential investment in other Football clubs such as Celtic and Manchester United. McGregor was also present for the 2018 FIFA World Cup when it was held in Russia.
McGregor intends to keep building his financial portfolio and continue to separate himself amongst the highest-earning athletes in the world. We should know sooner rather than later whether or not McGregor will purchase a stake of Chelsea FC.
For the latest on what’s next for the flamboyant Irishman, check out our latest feature looking at possible opponents for Conor McGregor’s next Fight.
Do you think Conor McGregor will purchase Chelsea FC?
“Conor’s gonna have to get him some wins and prove he’s not so fragile first ..”
As expected, the former lightweight and featherweight kingpin responded. McGregor once again mocked Diaz for a knockdown that occurred in the pair’s rematch, linking back to a clip of it he posted last month.
Also, as expected, the Dubliner’s posts were quickly deleted.
Conor McGregor tweet (Image Credit: @1_mma_w on Twitter)
“Bounce them titties for the dollar”
Given the number of enemies he’s made across his career, it’s perhaps never surprising to see McGregor up against more than one individual. That was no different today.
Poirier Comes To Diaz’s Aid Against McGregor
Waiting in the wings to provide support for Diaz, not that he can’t hold his own in online spats, was Poirier, another of McGregor’s rivals. While the Irishman’s feud with Diaz sits at one win apiece, he’s behind against “The Diamond” after back-to-back defeats in 2021.
Responding to McGregor’s clip, Poirier reminded his foe that Diaz isn’t the only man in the conversation who’s been sent to the canvas. The former interim lightweight titleholder posted a zoomed in video of his memorable knockout of McGregor at UFC 257 last January.
With his response, McGregor appeared to remind Poirier of the result, whilst also utilizing Tyson Fury’s trademark “bum” insult.
Conor McGregor tweet (Image Credit: @UFCFanBoy50 on Twitter)
“You blew it you bum.”
Diverting the focus back to his own victories over McGregor, Poirier suggested the “it” in the Irishman’s response referred to his own in-cage career following two setbacks in just six months to “The Diamond.”
UFC President Dana White feels as optimistic as ever about a Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz trilogy happening down the line.
McGregor is expected to return in 2022 following his nasty leg break against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. There are a few potential opponents for his return, including Michael Chandler and even lightweight champ Charles Oliveira.
Diaz appears set to face Poirier in a grudge match later this year, although negotiations are still ongoing. He hasn’t fought since his loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 263.
Credit: Getty Images
McGregor and Diaz last competed against one another at UFC 202, with McGregor earning a majority decision win. Diaz won their first matchup on short notice at UFC 196.
McGregor and Diaz voiced their interest in a trilogy directly following their last matchup. But, Diaz has hinted that McGregor will need to be triumphant in his return to deserve a third fight with him.
“We’re still working on that fight, that fight’s not done yet,” White said of Diaz vs. Poirier. “But yeah, I wouldn’t count out Conor-Nate 3. Listen, I’d be shocked if that fight didn’t happen again. [Conor’s] chomping at the bit to come back. Realistically, when you look at everything [Conor] has going on right now with coming back and other things he needs to do to prepare again, it’s looking like early fall [for his return].”
White has also teased a potential title fight for McGregor upon his return, although he alluded to a few different things happening before that becomes a possibility. McGregor has claimed that he’ll get the title shot in his first fight back from his injury.
McGregor and Diaz are two of the biggest stars in UFC history, and the third fight between them figures to be arguably the biggest event to make going forward.
UFC President Dana White has revealed he’s open to having Conor McGregor challenge for gold upon his return to action later this year.
McGregor, a former UFC lightweight and featherweight champion, fought twice in 2021. After being knocked out for the first time at UFC 257 in his rematch with Dustin Poirier, the Irishman fell to a second consecutive loss to “The Diamond” six months later.
While his January defeat left the door open for a quick turnaround, his trilogy setback at UFC 264 in July did the opposite. Towards the end of the opening round, McGregor suffered a gruesome broken leg, an injury that’s kept him on the sidelines ever since.
Now nearly eight months on from his third loss in four fights, McGregor is gearing up for a comeback. And judging by Dana White’s latest comments, it appears we could see the “Notorious” megastar walk right back into the title picture.
“We will see what’s what with the lightweight division,” said White to The Underground. “It’s going to depend on who the champion is when Conor McGregor comes back, they have a say in it. What do they want to do? If it’s Oliveira who is still champion when Conor comes back, maybe Oliveira wants Conor we will see then.
“There are many variables for his return, number one: his health and how his leg is,” White added. “Once that is 100 per cent, we will start to figure out where he goes because we have fights up to June 18 already.” (h/t The Mac life)
Nevertheless, as brought up by the #4-ranked Beneil Dariush in recent months, the looming return of McGregor was always going to be a threat to the title aspirations of others in the 155-pound division.
While some would expect McGregor’s star power and previous accomplishments in the sport to grant him the kind of privilege that could see him walk straight back to the championship, others will no doubt criticize the decision to overlook other contenders.
Do you think Conor McGregor should immediately fight for gold when he returns to the Octagon?
Conor McGregor’s next fight is an opportunity for “The Notorious” to revitalize his UFC career.
It’s unclear who his next opponent will be. However, we can look at several fighters who want a “Money fight” against McGregor.
(via Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Conor McGregor’s Losses to Dustin Poirier
McGregor hopes to rebound from two losses against his rival “The Diamond” Dustin Poirier.
He already had a 1st round KO win over Poirier at UFC 178 on Sep. 27, 2014, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, the fight happened at featherweight, and they both had evolved as fighters since their first encounter.
“The Diamond” got his revenge, defeating McGregor by TKO in the 2nd round at UFC 257 on Jan. 24, 2021, on Fight Island in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. While McGregor acted friendly with Poirier before the rematch, he changed his attitude in their last fight.
Before their third fight, McGregor insulted both Poirier and his wife. He also posted a screenshot of Poirier’s wife’s DM request on Twitter, insinuating infidelity. Although the MMA superstar tried to get under his opponent’s skin, Poirier got the last laugh.
At the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Poirier defeated McGregor by TKO in the 1st round at UFC 264 on Jul. 10, 2021. The MMA superstar suffered a broken leg (tibia) during the fight, and the referee ended the fight due to doctor stoppage.
(via: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)
Leg Injury
The injury resulted in McGregor having surgery, which has kept him out of competition. Coach John Kavanagh also shared that McGregor suffered an ankle injury before the third fight with Poirier.
While he isn’t ready for fights yet, the Irishman has recovered from his surgery and walks without assistance. He appeared healthy as he supported his SBG Ireland teammates at Bellator 275 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland, on Feb. 25.
He may also be moving up at welterweight for his next fight. McGregor has a history of fighting at welterweight unless his fight has UFC Lightweight Championship implications.
On a two-fight losing streak and ranked ninth at lightweight, it doesn’t seem likely he’ll be close to a championship opportunity.
(via Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Possible Opponents for McGregor’s Next Fight
As McGregor prepares to make his UFC return, it’s time to consider possible opponents for the former two-division champion. Although McGregor is UFC’s biggest star, he needs a popular challenger to fight against.
(via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
Nate Diaz
UFC fans have anticipated a third fight between McGregor and Nate Diaz as both fighters have a win over the other at welterweight. The rivalry has also created two successful pay-per-view buy rates with UFC 196 and 202.
Although Nate Diaz is on a two-fight losing streak, he impressed fans with his last performance by hurting Leon Edwards at UFC 263 at the Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, on Jun. 12, 2021. Diaz also shared that he wants to stop fighting soon, so the UFC may decide to have the trilogy before he retires.
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Dustin Poirier
While Dustin Poirier has two wins against McGregor, fans still wonder what would’ve happened if the injury didn’t occur in their last fight.
“I don’t think so. I don’t think the chapter will ever be closed, said Poirier(h/t Harvey Leonard).
“The Diamond” has teased a move to welterweight after losing to Charles Oliveria for the UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 269 at the T-Mobile Arena on Dec. 11, 2021. A welterweight fight against McGregor adds a different element to a potential bout, as McGregor has more experience in the weight class than Poirier.
It could also benefit Dustin Poirier to adjust to a new weight class against an opponent he’s defeated twice.
“Gamebred” Jorge Masvidal presents a unique opportunity for the UFC and Conor McGregor.
Masvidal is considered the reigning BMF Champion, although he’s lost twice to UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 251 and 261. Since winning the BMF title, the UFC hasn’t made him defend it. The company may not recognize it as a legitimate championship, but it is an option they can use to promote McGregor’s next PPV main event fight.
Masvidal has shown interest in fighting the Dublin native in the past. UFC President Dana White downplayed a potential matchup and thought Jorge Masvidal was too big for McGregor. However, the UFC could have McGregor challenge “Gamebred” for the BMF Championship.
The company may also have Masvidal and McGregor fight without needing a title. The BMF Champion will compete against Colby Covington in a non-title fight main event at UFC 272 at the T-Mobile Arena on March 5.
Whether Masvidal wins or losses, the UFC has shown faith that he doesn’t need to use the BMF title to sell a PPV. Alongside McGregor, he could create intrigue for fans to want to see them fight.
(Image Credits: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC & Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Another opportunity for McGregor is the possibility of beating a ranked welterweight. “Gamebred” is ranked sixth in the division, and a win for McGregor could make him an instant contender for the UFC Welterweight Championship.
He’s also teased challenging Kamaru Usman for the title and thinks he could be a three-division UFC champion. Beating Masvidal at welterweight gives McGregor options to be a welterweight or lightweight title contender.
(Photo Credit: Rex / Shutterstock GQ Magazine)
When Will Conor McGregor’s Next Fight Be?
It’s unclear what the UFC has planned for the Conor McGregor next fight. Regardless, the UFC star is looking forward to ending his two-fight losing streak and showing that the surgery made him stronger. The company seems to have its PPV schedule planned until June.
Conclusion
Despite his uncertain UFC return, McGregor has plenty of opponents for a comeback fight. However, the MMA superstar will need to get cleared by doctors and resume raining before he can step into the Octagon and score another victory.
MMA News will provide an update when more information is available.
The following article was published on this day five years ago. It is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.
On This Day Five Years Ago…
[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 27, 2017, 11:56 AM]
“Cowboy” is currently enjoying a break from the octagon following his second round, TKO loss to Jorge Masvidal at UFC on Fox: Shevchenko vs. Peña in January.
Cerrone was enjoying a four-fight win streak at welterweight, which included three “Performance of the Night” awards prior to Masvidal derailing his success following his jump from lightweight.
“Cowboy” is just as renowned for his activity inside the cage as he is for his fighting skills. For example, the fan-favorite fought and beat Benson Henderson on the Conor McGregor v Denis Siver card just 15 days following his defeat over Miles Jury at UFC 182, and fans are keen to see the former WEC title challenger take a break to readjust himself prior to a return to the octagon.
Those calls appear to have been heeded by “Cowboy”, as he recently spoke with TMZ Sports to discuss his downtime at Daytona 500. Cerrone discusses why the UFC is scarier than NASCAR and gives his insight into “topless festivities” and “crazy redneck chicks lying around naked”.
There is winding down, and then there is winding down “Cowboy” style…
Islam Makhachev is expecting a title fight next, but he doesn’t mind a pit stop with one enticing pickup along his route.
With 10 consecutive victories now under his belt after defeating Bobby Green at UFC Vegas 49, Islam Makhachev is done waiting. Just as he has been saying for several months now, Makhachev believes the only fight that makes sense for him at this juncture is a world title fight against the winner of the upcoming Charles Oliveira (c) vs. Justin Gaethje lightweight championship bout.
At the UFC Vegas 49 post-fight presser, Makhachev was asked about where McGregor fits into the title picture. Although Makhachev finds McGregor to be irrelevant, the Dagestani did express interest in fighting The Notorious One to make him earn the title shot he’s been asking for.
“Honestly, I don’t remember when this guy beat someone,” Makhachev said. “He have to come back, beat someone, and … let’s go, why not? I’m gonna smash him like easy. Bobby Green is gonna be hard for me more than for him (McGregor).”
Makhachev is currently ranked #4 in the lightweight division. With Dustin Poirier (#2) just receiving a title shot at UFC 269, Justin Gaethje (#1) being up next, and Beneil Dariush (#3) being injured with no timetable to return, there is a clear path for Makhachev to get the next shot. Meanwhile, McGregor is unranked and, to Makhachev’s point, has not won a fight at 155 lbs. since 2016.
Nevertheless, Makhachev does not appear to be exempt from the “Red Panty Night” guest list sign-up, where everyone seems to want an invite to the party. The fact that McGregor has a deep history with Makhachev’s mentor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, is probably just as much of an incentive for Makhachev to take this fight as the payday.
You’ll want to stay tuned to see what lies in store for Makhachev, McGregor, and the rest of the lightweight division in 2022. And the best place to be for all the latest news and updates is right here at MMANews.com.
Do you think a fight between Conor McGregor and Islam Makhachev would make sense right now?
The following article is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.
[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 26, 2017, 10:58 PM]
Headline: Oscar De La Hoya: ‘Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather is a Disrespect to Boxing’
Author: Fernando Quiles Jr.
Oscar De La Hoya is not a fan of the Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather talks.
The boxing Hall of Famer and current promoter through Golden Boy Promotions has heard ramblings of a mega-fight between “Notorious” and “Money.” De La Hoya certainly knows a thing or two about the sweet science. He has won multiple world championships in the sport of boxing.
De La Hoya doesn’t have much faith in McGregor’s chances in a boxing match with Mayweather. At the same time, he doesn’t believe Mayweather would fare any better in a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) contest against the current Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight titleholder.
Canelo Alvarez, who fights under Golden Boy Promotions, has had some beef with McGregor. He recently said a boxing match-up between McGregor and Mayweather is a “joke” for the sport of boxing.
“Well I do. It’s a disrespect to boxing because they’re two different sports. I mean look, put Floyd and McGregor in the ring and Floyd will box his ears off. Put Floyd in the Octagon and McGregor will submit him by twisting his toe or something. You know what I’m saying? It’s a whole different sport.”
The following article is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.
On This Day Two Years Ago…
[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 26, 2020, 6:09 PM]
Author: Fernando Quiles Jr.
Conor McGregor has spoken out on an athlete’s life following their careers in sports.
McGregor has become the most popular figure in all of mixed martial arts. His reach has gone beyond fans of the sport and he has transitioned to the mainstream media. The “Notorious” one has taken advantage of the opportunity with his whiskey brand and his August McGregor lifestyle brand.
Conor McGregor Discusses Life After UFC
McGregor is still a viable competitor but he knows that the time on a fighter’s career doesn’t last forever. Speaking to The Mac Life, McGregor talked about the steps he’s taken to ensure he’s well off after he hangs up his gloves (h/t LowKickMMA.com).
“Athletic life is short right? As cruel as it sounds no-one really cares about the athlete post-career. I mean it’s as simple as that and that’s not just fighting it’s in any sport. So, I have studied many athletes’ careers both in combat sport and in professional sport and just analyzed it. I saw the do’s and the don’t and things that can create an afterlife in the game. For, me I’ve just gone down things I’m passionate about. I went down the fight game because I’m passionate about it – I wouldn’t have reached the levels I’ve reached in the fight game without having passion for it. And the whiskey game, the fashion game you know.”
McGregor went on to say that he’s fortunate enough to be able to explore options outside of fighting. McGregor has already made an impact with his Proper No. 12 Irish Whiskey brand. An ad for the whiskey was even placed on the canvas for the big heavyweight boxing rematch between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder.
But as long as McGregor is still fighting, fans will continue to speculate what’s next for him. ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reports that the UFC is having early talks of booking McGregor to compete this summer. The candidates for his opponent are said to be Justin Gaethje and Nate Diaz.
The following article was published on this day three years ago. It is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.
[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 26, 2019, 1:52 PM]
Headline: Quote: Conor McGregor Proves Popularity “Not So Much About Winning”
Conor McGregor is undoubtedly the most popular figure in mixed martial arts. None of the losses suffered to Nate Diaz, Khabib Nurmagomedov, or a boxing loss to Floyd Mayweather in 2017 have changed that fact.
One fighter who has done nothing but win in recent years but historically struggled with popularity is Tyron Woodley. Woodley believes that Conor McGregor is living proof that, unlike other sports, MMA is not about statistics or your record, but about the spectacle: (via MMA Fighting)
“This is a person that, I don’t give stats, he’s lost a few times and won a few times,” Woodley said of Conor McGregor at a media lunch scrum this week. “But look at his mystique he has. So it’s telling you it’s not so much about winning. It’s about the showmanship. It’s about what you bring to the table. It’s about making people give a f*ck. You gotta find a way to do both. You gotta find a way to do both of it. You’ve got to find a way to make people invested, want to see me lose, want to see me win.”
Though Woodley believes Conor McGregor exemplifies this reality the most, he believes there are several other lower scale examples of how styles don’t just, as they say, “make” fights, but the right style ensures that there will be more fights to make for the athlete:
“We saw with [Keith] Jardine, we saw with so many fighters forever that, subpar, .500 records that stayed around that, then you have a guy who lose maybe one fight and they’re gone,” Woodley said. “And I just think that, when you look at a sport? Think about basketball. It don’t matter if you wear a pimped out custom suit, talk the most sh*t as possible, if you can shoot a three, you can shoot a three. How many times you seen Steph Curry talking crap? You get paid the big bucks based on how you deliver out on the court.”
“If you go out there and you punch and you bleed and you brawl and you go back and forth, you really can’t lose in that situation,” Woodley said. “You can get your ass whupped and knocked out, but if you fought to a point where everyone was like ‘oh my god, he’s so tough,’ not only with the fighters and the fans but the promotion, you’ve kind of almost put yourself in the mold where they’re going to keep you.”
Do you agree with Tyron Woodley? Is popularity in MMA based more on fighting style and spectacle than wins and losses? And is Conor McGregor an example of this?
Diego Sanchez is hoping to use his position in the sport to be a positive influence on the next generation and believes some fighters with a larger platform have fallen short in doing so.
Diego Sanchez is a 20-year veteran of the sport who the MMA community has witnessed grow right before their eyes, beginning with his time on The Ultimate Fighter series in 2005. Since then, we’ve witnessed all the highs and the lows of Sanchez’s MMA journey. But one thing that has always remained constant is his love for the sport and the connection he has with the fans.
Speaking with MMA Junkie, Sanchez opened up on his desire to be a beacon of inspiration for the next generation with no strings attached. He also provided one notorious example of someone he feels has fallen short in that area.
“Now, I wanna help the youth of the next generation. I wanna be a positive, motivating inspiration and just a good influence for these kids,” Sanchez said. “Because you got guys out there like Conor McGregor that are giants of influences. And drinking Proper Twelve and hitting old men is not really a good influence to be spreading for the youth of the next generation.
“So I’m doing my best to do my part. And that’s why I do free seminars with kids. Anybody wanna fly me out to anywhere in America in the world, wherever, I’ll do a free seminar for the kids. Anywhere, anytime. I’ll go make that time to work with the youth of the next generation because they’re the ones that need the most because they’re the ones that are gonna keep us going and eventually be taking care of us.”
Sanchez has indeed been very charitable with his time and actions for his fans. In 2017, he even participated in an “exhibition” fight with a superfan who had Down syndrome to help make the fan’s dream.
McGregor also came to Sanchez’s defense when the TUF winner was involved with controversial manager Joshua Fabia. After a video was released last year of Sanchez taking blows from Fabia while hanging upside down, McGregor spoke up and advised Sanchez to take a different path.
Diego Sanchez’s next professional venture features his first MMA fight outside of the UFC in 18 years and his first fight since 2020. He will be taking on Kevin Lee on March 11 in a 165 lbs. bout for the Eagle FC promotion.
Do you agree with Diego Sanchez’s take on Conor McGregor?
Former UFC fighter Paige VanZant knew right away that Conor McGregor was going to be special in MMA from the first time they met.
McGregor is anticipating a return to the Octagon later this year after suffering a nasty leg break at UFC 264 against Dustin Poirier. It’s unclear who he’ll face in his return, but a few names including Michael Chandler have thrown their name into the conversation.
VanZant plans to visit McGregor’s Black Forge Inn pub while in Ireland as her husband, Austin Vanderford, faces Gegard Mousasi in the Bellator 275 headliner in Dublin. During a recent Q+A session on her Instagram page, she spoke about the first time she came face-to-face with the Irish superstar.
“I remember meeting him and telling my dad he was a fight genius and that he was going to be a mega-star,” VanZant said. “That is like No.1 on our list of things to do in Ireland. I know [Austin’s] dad, his step-dad, and my dad are all extremely excited to go to Conor McGregor ’s bar.” (h/t Mirror)
VanZant was let go by the UFC in 2020 following losses in three of her last four fights with the promotion. She has since signed with Bare Knuckle FC and has yet to earn her first win in the ring, falling to Britain Hart and Rachael Ostovich.
Like VanZant, McGregor is looking to get back in the win column after losses in three of his last four appearances. His lone win since 2018 came against Donald Cerrone at welterweight at UFC 246.
Nate Diaz is looking forward to his return to the Octagon in 2022 on the last fight of his deal, but it won’t be against Conor McGregor.
Diaz hasn’t fought in the UFC since his loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 263. Despite his promise of an active 2021, he competed just once in the calendar year and is now on the last fight of his contract.
Diaz has hinted at the idea of a fight with Dustin Poirier for months, but an agreement hasn’t materialized just yet. Poirier seems game for a fight with Diaz but things have stalled regarding talks of a bout.
One element of the Diaz saga is regarding a potential trilogy with McGregor. He won the first matchup on short notice at UFC 196, before narrowly falling to McGregor in the rematch at UFC 202.
During a recent interview with YouTuber Adam’s Apple, Diaz kept it short and sweet when asked about a potential trilogy with McGregor.
“Not right now,” Diaz said. “He got a lot of work to do.” (h/t SportsKeeda)
McGregor is also anticipating a return to action later this year after suffering a gruesome leg break at UFC 264 against Poirier. He has lost three of his last four fights with the lone victory coming against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.
Diaz and McGregor have gone at it on social media in recent months, especially following McGregor’s most recent loss to Poirier via doctor’s stoppage. Diaz and McGregor are undoubtedly two of the UFC’s biggest stars.
Do you think we’ll ever see Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor 3?
Former UFC champion Conor McGregor ripped boxing heavyweight champion Tyson Fury on social media over the weekend after Fury praised McGregor’s old rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov, in a tweet.
Nurmagomedov retired from MMA on top of the sport in 2020 following a title defense against Justin Gaethje.
Fury and McGregor are known as arguably two of the brashest personalities in combat sports today. Fury most recently defeated Deontay Wilder in one of the best trilogies in boxing history.
“This man did it right. Got in and won [gold] and got out on top,” Fury tweeted in support of Nurmagomedov.
Nearly two weeks after the original tweet, McGregor weighed in on Fury’s support of his rival Nurmagomedov while also mocking Fury’s response to his Billy Joe Saunders’ father’s altercation with security at a Canelo Alvarez boxing event.
“Yup the Joyces. Big Joe!” McGregor said. “You bottled it with Billy Joe Da, what were you doing there? You left him, Versace twat. You. Done. Nothing. Ya’s did it right ye right [laughs]. Even when I’m wrong I’m right. Who did it right? The Mac daddy tonight, in house. Miami d12! Bahamas.”
Fury responded to McGregor by mocking his recent struggles in the UFC.
come back when u win a fight mush, & the difference in me & you is i don’t get myself in trouble & people actually like me, your just a bully who hit old man, 😎 & yes Big up the hulk Joe, #morecambebay. in the house.👍
“Come back when you win a fight mush,” Fury said. “And the difference in me and you is I don’t get myself in trouble and people actually like me, your just a bully who hit old man, and yes big up the hulk Joe.”
McGregor and Fury are both anticipating returns to the fight game in 2022. McGregor has been sidelined since suffering a leg injury at UFC 264, and Fury has been in negotiations to potentially box Dillian Whyte next.
McGregor and Fury appeared to be on mutually respectful terms after McGregor offered to train him in MMA. But it appears that friendship has fizzled out, and the two no longer see each other in a positive light.
What do you make of the recent Conor McGregor/Tyson Fury squabble?
UFC bantamweight contender Sean O’Malley has revealed why he’s not keen on sharing cards with MMA’s biggest superstar Conor McGregor.
In 2021, O’Malley rebounded from his first defeat in professional MMA with three wins, three finishes, and three bonuses in as many appearances, all of which helped “Sugar” rise into the 135-pound rankings. As far as years go, the last 12 months haven’t been too shabby for the Montana native.
While he recorded brutal knockouts against Thomas Almeida and Raulian Paiva, perhaps O’Malley’s most complete performance of 2021 came against promotional newcomer Kris Moutinho at UFC 264, a pay-per-view headlined by McGregor and Dustin Poirier’s trilogy clash.
On his way to a third-round TKO stoppage, which came with less than 30 seconds until the final horn, O’Malley broke records with his slick striking and opened the event’s main card in Fight of the Night style.
While the majority of fighters on the UFC roster would love to be on a card headlined by McGregor given the incredible number of eyes and exposure drawn to it, O’Malley sees things differently.
Believing he no longer needs the help of McGregor to bring fans’ attention to his performances, O’Malley suggested he’d much rather be the main attraction, rather than the Irishman’s understudy.
Given his belief that no one other than the former two-divison UFC champion sits above him when it comes to stardom and drawing power, O’Malley expects to be the lead interest if he avoids sharing cards with McGregor.
“I’d rather fight with less attention on the card. I’d rather fight on a non-Conor card,” said O’Malley. “Because no matter what, even if I go out there and perform beautifully and (Conor) breaks his foot or whatever, it’s all the ESPN, Sportscenter, everything’s just gonna pick up Conor. So for me, I’d prefer to be on a smaller card—basically not Conor. I feel like everyone else I’m bigger than.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/CX14GhFvzUG/
Having accelerated his rise up the bantamweight ladder in 2021, O’Malley will hope to join the elite at 135 pounds when he returns to the cage this year.
Dustin Poirier has questioned why, aside from the lucrative paycheck, he would consider fighting Conor McGregor again.
While 2021 may have ended in another failed bid for undisputed champion status, the rest of Poirier’s year represented redemption, success, business, and the last laugh. He achieved all of those through back-to-back fights against the sport’s biggest superstar, McGregor.
Having been finished by the Irishman way back in 2014, the first task for “The Diamond” was leveling the score. In the UFC 257 main event, he did exactly that by becoming the first man to knock McGregor out.
After turning down a shot at vacant gold in favor of another money fight with the former two-division champion, Poirier met McGregor again in the main event of UFC 264 last July. Towards the end of what was a dominant opening round for the Louisianan, McGregor suffered a gruesome broken leg, handing Poirier another triumph.
As far as six-month success goes, not much can top two pay-per-view main events, both of which sold in excess of 1.5 million buys and a pair of victories over the biggest name in the sport.
After the conclusion to their trilogy clash, a fourth fight seemed inevitable. Following the anticlimactic ending last July, Poirier and McGregor both shared a sentiment along the lines of “this isn’t over yet,” and UFC President Dana White suggested as much, too.
During an interview with Robby Clark for InsideFighting, Poirier suggested the only factor that could draw him into a tetralogy with McGregor is the money. Beyond that, another date with the “Notorious” Irishman doesn’t intrigue him.
“I think, besides money, what would I be doing it for? I beat the guy two times in a row last year, you know; knocked him out, 10-8ed him in the first round of our last fight. It’s just like, we’ll see,” said Poirier. “We’re not currently talking about it with the UFC, but I’m sure it’s never out of the question. He wants to fight me. No doubt about it, he wants to get those wins back. We’ll see what happens when they call, but they haven’t said a word about it yet. I’m not sure if they have a plan for him.”
With two of his potential comeback opponents, Diaz and Poirier, looking likely to face each other, another leading contender in Michael Chandler reportedly set to share the cage with Tony Ferguson, and Justin Gaethje booked for the next shot at Charles Oliveira’s gold, it remains to be seen who McGregor will be standing opposite from when he returns.
Would you like to see Dustin Poirier and Conor McGregor share the Octagon for a fourth time?
Dustin Poirier isn’t certain what his fighting future holds but doubts it will involve a fourth fight against Conor McGregor.
Poirier is coming off a submission loss to Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title and hinted at retiring after the fight. He now took to social media to provide fans an update on his career where he says he isn’t sure if he will fight again but says if he does, it probably won’t be a fourth fight against McGregor.
“Probably not,” Poirier responded to a fan asking if he’ll face McGregor next.
Although Dustin Poirier says the fourth Conor McGregor is unlikely to happen, it is a fight the Irishman has expressed interest in.
They had their rematch at UFC 257, which Poirier won by second-round KO. The trilogy match happened in July. The bout ended when McGregor broke his leg, which is why he wants the fourth scrap.
Dana White also said after the event he’s open to doing the fight for the fourth time.
“It sucks,” White said after UFC 264. “It’s brutal. It’s not the way you want to see fights end. Dustin Poirier will fight for the title, and when Conor is healed and ready to go, you do the rematch, I guess. I don’t know. The fight didn’t get finished,” he said. “You can’t have a fight finish that way, so we’ll see how this whole thing plays out. Who knows how long Conor is out, so Poirier will do his thing until Conor’s ready.”
Although Poirier says he’s uncertain if the fourth McGregor fight happens, he is interested in it being in boxing.
The following article was published on this day two years ago. It is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.
[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 6, 2020, 5:26 PM]
Headline: Khabib Compares Conor McGregor vs. Cowboy Cerrone To ‘Well-Organized Circus’
Author: Fernando Quiles Jr.
Khabib Nurmagomedov doesn’t believe Conor McGregor vs. Donald Cerrone was fixed but he does feel the UFC did its best to ensure McGregor was made to look unstoppable.
McGregor shared the Octagon with Cerrone on Jan. 18. The welterweight bout served as UFC 246’s headliner. McGregor vs. Cerrone was held inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The “Notorious” one stopped “Cowboy” in 40 seconds via TKO.
Khabib Not Impressed By McGregor’s Win Over Cerrone
Speaking to reporters, Nurmagomedov explained why he compares McGregor vs. Cerrone to a “well-organized circus” (via RT News).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8LrJeyfCB0
“A big organization with a lot of history won’t take such risks,” he explained. “If someone finds out that the fight was fixed, it would be a huge blow to the UFC’s reputation. They picked a good opponent though – an opponent that never won anything serious. He could have kept winning and winning and when it came time for a big fight, and just gave up because he’s mentally weak. It’s just a well-organized circus.”
Nurmagomedov has his next title defense scheduled. He’ll put his UFC lightweight championship on the line against Tony Ferguson on April 18. The title clash will be the main event for UFC 249 inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
As for McGregor, UFC president Dana White has made it clear that he wants “Mystic Mac” to challenge the winner of Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson. McGregor doesn’t appear to want to wait that long and has been mulling a quick return to action.
The bad blood between Nurmagomedov and McGregor still lingers. The two were engaged in a heated feud that involved a confrontation between Team Khabib and Artem Lobov in a hotel lobby and a bus attack involving McGregor and his entourage. Ultimately, Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor back in Oct. 2018 and it led to a brawl in the crowd between both camps.
Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn thinks former UFC champion Conor McGregor surpassed the UFC’s overall star power and popularity on his own.
McGregor is set to make his Octagon return later this year after recovering from a brutal leg break at UFC 264. Despite losing three of his last four fights in the UFC, he remains arguably the biggest box office star in combat sports.
But Hearn believes that McGregor’s rise to stardom hasn’t been completely positive for UFC President Dana White and the rest of the brass. During a recent interview on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Hearn explained why he thinks McGregor’s fame might’ve done the UFC more harm than good.
“For the UFC, where they’ve been very smart is by – it’s such an honor to get a UFC deal,” Hearn said. “You see these kids coming out of Bellator, or Cage Warriors, or wherever it is; but the thought of getting a UFC contract is everything. But I feel in the UFC, they don’t want you to get too big. And when you do – and I used to almost laugh at Conor because I could just imagine just the disruption that he was causing in that organization, because that’s not really the name of the game. We don’t want a star that is bigger than the UFC. Conor McGregor became bigger than the UFC. Really. And that’s a nightmare for those guys.” (h/t DAZN)
Things appeared to become tense between the UFC and McGregor at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. After previously promising an active year in 2020, he fought just once and allegedly became frustrated with the lack of movement in the lightweight title picture.
UFC middleweight Sean Strickland is excited for the Conor McGregor-esque freedom he’ll have if he becomes a champion in the promotion.
While McGregor has undoubtedly grown into the biggest star the sport of MMA has ever seen, largely thanks to the Octagon success that saw him become the UFC’s first simultaneous two-division champion, much of his behavior outside the cage has left a lot to be desired.
From his controversial verbal attacks on José Aldo, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Dustin Poirier, which included some distasteful comments about family; religion; and some nations, to incidents beyond the sport; the “Notorious” Irishman is certainly a polarizing figure.
— MMA History Today (@MMAHistoryToday) April 6, 2019
But despite his multiple run-ins with the law and criticized actions, McGregor’s place at the top of the UFC has remained secure and his status as one of the biggest superstars in sport untouched.
That’s a level of freedom that intrigues one controversial fighter…
Strickland: “When I’m Champion, I Can Go Full Conor McGregor”
One man who’s certainly joined McGregor in the upper-echelons of controversy is #7-ranked middleweight Strickland. While his carefree attitude has entertained some, his questionable remarks, including about homosexuality, have caused anger across some parts of the MMA community.
While some would suggest becoming a champion would require a level of company representation, Strickland looks at McGregor’s past and licks his lips.
“It’s even better, because when I’m champion I can go full Conor McGregor,” Strickland told reporters. “I can go and fucking hit an old guy in a bar, fucking throw a fucking (dolly), try and fucking assault Khabib’s manager Ali (Abdelaziz), it’s fucking even better dude.”
Former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov believes his UFC 229 main event with Conor McGregor was a bigger fight than the Irishman’s blockbuster boxing showdown with Floyd Mayweather.
While the battle of boxing vs. MMA has essentially become a norm in today’s crossover culture, back then it was as historical as it was lucrative.
Following one of the most covered and notable international media tours and build-ups combat sports has ever seen, the pair shared the squared circle inside Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena. After going nine rounds with the boxing GOAT contender, McGregor was finished in the 10th frame.
Four years ago today Floyd Mayweather beat Conor McGregor by TKO in the 10th round.
The numbers behind the clash were staggering. The contest grossed a remarkable $938 million, sitting in second on the all-time list behind only Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao’s 2015 match ($960 million). That feat certainly doesn’t need any more context, but here’s some anyway; the third highest-grossing fight (Mayweather vs. Canelo Álvarez – 2013) raked in $304 million, over $600 million less than ‘The Money Fight’.
What did all that help secure? A reported $280 million purse for “Money” Mayweather and a $130 million boost for the “Notorious” McGregor.
Khabib: McGregor vs. Mayweather Was More “Fake”
While Mayweather vs. McGregor is widely regarded as one of, if not the, biggest fights of all time, one man shares a different sentiment.
Khabib Nurmagomedov, one of the leading contenders in the debate surrounding the greatest of all time in the UFC, believes his own grudge match with McGregor clearly surpassed Mayweather’s.
During an appearance on the Full Send Podcast, “The Eagle” cited the background to the UFC 229 main event and the memorable nature of the fight as the reasons why no other matchup comes close, especially not the “sparring” session between Mayweather and McGregor.
“For sure this is biggest fight in history of martial arts. Nothing close, I think,” said Khabib. “Even when he fight with Mayweather, it’s like, ‘OK.’ But not many people care about this fight. It was historical event: MMA champion vs. boxing champion.
“But inside the fight, many people, they don’t even remember what happened inside the fight. For example, in what round referee stop this fight? Most of the people don’t remember,” continued Khabib. “They don’t remember because it was like sparring fight. For me, it was not real fight because (McGregor) is not real boxer. And Mayweather, what he did—for me, it was like more fake fight. This just my opinion, maybe not.
“And then what was between us, it was real. And everything (that) happened before the fight, inside the fight, after the fight (was real),” concluded Khabib.
While it attracted 2.4 million PPV buys, leaving daylight to the UFC’s second-highest tally in that regard, can it be regarded as “bigger” across all aspects than Mayweather vs. McGregor? It’s certainly an interesting debate to have.
Former two-division UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen has pleaded with Conor McGregor to provide some more information surrounding his return to the Octagon.
The injury marked his second defeat of the year, his second consecutive setback to Dustin Poirier, and his second TKO loss in six months. Understandably, that form has left many wondering whether we’ve seen the last of the Irishman at his best inside the cage.
Nevertheless, McGregor seems as committed as ever and firmly on his road back to fighting. Having consistently updated fans on his recovery via social media, the former two-division champion is evidently nearing the end of his recovery and preparing to return to full MMA sparring.
But with talk of his return rising to the surface, there’s one question still unanswered.
Sonnen Tells McGregor To “Pick A Division”
Over the course of his incredibly successful career in the sport, McGregor has reached the mountaintop of both the featherweight and lightweight divisions in the UFC, and had success at welterweight. That variety, coupled with his potential opponents and apparent bulked physique, has left some wondering what weight the “Notorious” megastar will step on the scale at next time out.
“Nate Diaz’s last fight, you’ve got something special that deserves to be done just right,” said Sonnen. “Poirier vs. Conor works, I understand that but part four is a little weird. Particularly when two and three didn’t have a single round won by Conor. It was very uncompetitive.”
But before considering which name is more likely and who we could see McGregor share the Octagon with next, Sonnen said the Irishman has to provide clarity on which weight class he’ll return in.
“Conor’s got to give us a little more info too, he’s putting pictures out, he’s 190 pounds. Is he planning on stopping by 170? Is he planning on going back to 155? It just depends on the day that you talk to him.
“Conor has been for a meaningful period of time and will live the rest of his career on the same unique spot that he monopolies. Which is, whatever he does, is going to work,” Sonnen added. “Does Conor have the same pursuit of getting back to a world championship? If that answer is yes, he has to pick a division.” (h/t Pundit Arena)
Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has vowed to put one aspect of his life on hold as he prepares to return to full training ahead of an Octagon comeback.
McGregor, who’s experienced championship glory on MMA’s biggest stage at both featherweight and lightweight, has been on the sidelines since a disappointing 2021 in the cage came to a crashing (or snapping) end at UFC 264.
At the July pay-per-view, a heated feud came to a sudden stop with the brutal breaking of McGregor’s left leg. Since then, the 33-year-old has been recovering on the sidelines.
In recent months, McGregor has consistently updated the world on his healing process as he edges closer towards a return to full training and sparring. When he does so, he firmly plans on swapping the whiskey glass for the gloves.
McGregor Promises To Return The Proper No. Twelve To The Shelves
Perhaps the most successful of McGregor’s ventures outside the cage is his Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey. After helping it to a rapid rise, the Irishman and his business partners sold their majority stake in the business to Proximo Spirits for a whopping $600 million.
While his involvement with the whiskey brand continues, McGregor has also entered the free house business with the purchase of The Black Forge Inn, where he can often be seen drinking at on social media. Adding another boozy project to his resume, McGregor has also been plugging his pub’s Forged Stout.
Despite his ongoing presence in the alcoholic business, and enjoyment of holding a beverage himself, McGregor has promised fans he’ll be returning his bottles to the cabinet and using his hands for punching rather than pouring in the near future.
In a recent Instagram post, which features an image of a glass of Forged Stout and a bottle of Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey, McGregor vowed to abstain from his “liquid gold” and indulge himself in full training again soon.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZUlROcNLC-/
“Sitting in actual awe at present. Can’t quite describe it. Last week, Saturday, the first day Ireland became free from restriction, and also coincidentally the anniversary of the late Arthur Guinness, @forgedirishstout outsold Guinness on premise for the first time. And everyday since! @forgedirishstout is now the clear leader in Stout sales for us! All of us in this industry know, for a Stout to do this is just unprecedented! Incredible!” Conor McGregor wrote on Instagram. “The fact it happened for the first time on that day in particular, I feel it a sign that I am on the right path here with all of this! Onwards and upwards we go! For my fighting fans, I want to say I know I am enjoying myself with my liquid, but very soon I will be immersing my self in full training again with complete abstention from my wonderful creations of Spirit and Ale. Just 5 more minutes Ma ❤️”
While a possible return still seems many months away, McGregor’s desire to compete has consistently remained, something his latest post seems to show once again.
Whether for a fourth fight with Poirier, a trilogy clash with Nate Diaz, or a meeting in the Octagon with Michael Chandler, it seems likely we’ll be seeing McGregor make the walk in 2022.
Do you think Conor McGregor can make a successful comeback to the Octagon this year?
The following article was published on this day three years ago. It is presented to you in its original, unaltered form, courtesy of The MMA News Archives.
On This Day Three Years Ago…
[ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED JANUARY 30, 2019, 1:16 PM]
Archives: Dana White Disagrees With ‘Harsh’ Punishment Handed Down to Khabib Nurmagomedov
Author: Damon Martin
UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was forced to pay a $500,000 fine for his role in the infamous post-fight brawl that he initiated following his win over Conor McGregor last October.
Just seconds after Nurmagomedov secured a fourth-round rear-naked choke finish, he leaped over the cage to go after McGregor’s teammate Dillon Danis, who was working in his corner for the fight.
Chaos ensued immediately afterwards but security quickly contained the ugly incident but the commission wasn’t going to let it go without handing down some stiff penalties for everybody involved.
Nurmagoemdov was dinged with the $500,000 fine and a six-month suspension assuming he completes an approved anti-bullying public service announcement for the state of Nevada. Meanwhile, McGregor was hit with a $50,000 fine and a six-month suspension and both fighters should be eligible to return after April 6.
UFC president Dana White has definitely gone back and forth with the Nevada Commission in the past over certain decisions that have been made and in this case, he believes Nurmagomedov got a raw deal when it comes to his punishment for the brawl.
“I was obviously surprised by how much they put on Khabib,” White told ESPN on Wednesday. “You’ve got a half-a-million dollars and six months [suspension] if he does some [public service announcements]. What he did was wrong, he jumped out, we had the whole thing contained in seconds.
“I don’t know. It was a little harsh in my opinion but it is what it is.”
The commission also took exception to the excessing amount of trash talking between Nurmagomedov and McGregor that led to their fight at UFC 229.
As personal as things may have gotten, the fight ended up as the biggest UFC pay-per-view of all time while the promotion put out a study earlier this week showing more than $86 million in revenue was generated for the city of Las Vegas by that single event.
White obviously doesn’t agree with trying to police what the fighters are saying to each other in the lead up to a fight, especially when it oftentimes leads to the biggest rivalries in the history of the sport.
“Here’s the thing — it’s a fight. At the end of the day, it’s a fight,” White said. “Sometimes you come across people that don’t like each other and there’s a lot of bad blood. That was the case in this fight. This is what we do. This is the fight business. These guys are talking about fighters saying mean things to each other and all this other stuff.
“If you break it down and go back to when [Muhammad] Ali fought [Joe] Frazier and you look at the times when that happened, the stuff that he said about Frazier and saying to Frazier was horrible. Horrible things that you don’t say to somebody else back then.”
It’s tough to imagine the Nevada commission actually attempting to curb trash talk before a fight but either way they definitely made Nurmagomedov pay for his choices after the fight was over.
Through his manager Ali Abdelaziz, Nurmagomedov has reportedly stated that he will no longer fight in Nevada as a result of this harsh penalty.
Was the Nevada commission wrong to fine Khabib Nurmagomedov so much money? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
