Conor McGregor eyes showdown with ‘atrocious’ Justin Gaethje after Max Holloway comeback fight

Former two-division UFC champion Conor McGregor has new UFC lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje in his crosshairs.

Justin Gaethje pulled off one of the greatest upsets in UFC history last weekend at UFC Freedom 250, as he defeated Ilia Topuria by TKO (corner stoppage) on the White House lawn. After coming up short in several past title shot opportunities, Gaethje seized the moment and handed Topuria the first loss of his otherwise stellar career.

Now, Gaethje sits atop the UFC lightweight throne, and a showdown with top contender Arman Tsarukyan looms around the corner. But a former UFC lightweight titleholder, Conor McGregor, is also a possibility for Gaethje’s next Octagon appearance.

McGregor will make his long-awaited return to the cage next month at UFC 329 against former BMF champion Max Holloway. He hasn’t fought since injuring his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 and promises a statement performance in his showdown against Holloway.

After watching Gaethje’s historic win on the White House lawn, McGregor isn’t ruling out a potential return to the lightweight division to reclaim his former throne.

Conor McGregor teases Justin Gaethje matchup after UFC 329 return

In a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, McGregor reacted to Gaethje’s performance and teased a future showdown.

“When Gaethje is on, he’s good, he’s okay. But when he’s off, he’s atrocious,” McGregor said of Gaethje.

“I fancy him, handily. I fancy teeing off on Gaethje. And with [Islam Makhachev], there’s history there, and I know he’s fighting a fellow Irish man who I’ve trained with and know.

“I’m open to it! For sure. I’m open for either.”

Gaethje and McGregor have been in each other’s orbits for years, stemming from McGregor’s 2020 comeback fight at UFC 246. Gaethje was initially linked to fighting McGregor at UFC 246 before Donald Cerrone signed off for the event.

First things first for McGregor, as he looks to earn his first UFC win in more than six years. But if he pulls off the miraculous comeback win at UFC 329, don’t be surprised if Gaethje is his targeted callout.

What is your prediction for Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2? Let us know in the comments!