Conor McGregor ‘ran away’ from proposed UFC comeback fight, claims Carlos Prates

Conor McGregor plans to make his UFC comeback, but it won’t be against Carlos Prates, who is hurling ducking accusations.

When Prates was initially asked about his name being considered for a showdown with McGregor, “The Nightmare” brushed it off as a rumor. Prates will instead meet former UFC Welterweight Champion Jack Della Maddalena on May 2 in Perth.

In a recent interview with Laerte Viana, Prates changed his tune on McGregor. He now claims the “Notorious” one wanted no part of him inside the Octagon (h/t Championship Rounds).

“He chickened out and ran away… because I’m a tough matchup, man,” Prates said. “The guy’s been inactive for 5 years, and it’s not even in his weight class. I’m coming in with all the hype, knocking everyone out. If I were in his position, I wouldn’t accept that fight either, no way.”

McGregor recently provided an update on his status with UFC. He told DrinkLitt that he’s negotiating with the top MMA promotion. The former lightweight and featherweight king anticipates his return fight to take place this summer.

Many would argue that the fight with Maddalena makes more sense for Prates. It’s an opportunity for the Fighting Nerds standout to insert himself in the UFC welterweight title picture. He has gone 6-1 under the UFC banner. Prates is coming off a scintillating second-round knockout win over former UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards.

Maddalena is hoping to bounce back after losing the 170-pound gold to Islam Makhachev back in Nov. 2025. It was on the same card that featured Prates’ aforementioned knockout win over “Rocky.” The loss also snapped Maddalena’s 18-fight winning streak. He hadn’t lost a bout since May 2016, which was just his second pro MMA fight.

Do you like Carlos Prates vs. Jack Della Maddalena better than the Conor McGregor idea? Tell us in the comments below.