Conor McGregor is gearing up for a major return to the UFC octagon after a three-year break, set to face Michael Chandler in the main event of UFC 303. McGregor’s comeback fight is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see him back in action. Despite Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement from mixed martial arts in October 2020, McGregor continues to express a strong desire for a rematch against his old rival.
Recently, McGregor suggested that Nurmagomedov might return to the UFC due to alleged tax fraud issues. Speaking on Duelbits, McGregor accused Nurmagomedov of “rat behavior,” implying that financial pressures might force him back into fighting.
He described Nurmagomedov as a “scurrying rat” who needs to pay off debts to the Russian government. McGregor seemed pleased with the possibility, stating that everyone in the fight game would welcome Nurmagomedov back, implying that a rematch might be on the horizon.
The two fighters headlined the best-selling pay-per-view in UFC history at UFC 229 in October 2018, where Nurmagomedov won by fourth-round submission to retain his lightweight title. The match ended in chaos, with a brawl breaking out between the two camps, further fueling the rivalry. McGregor has been vocal about wanting a rematch ever since.
In addition to his upcoming fight against Chandler, there is speculation about McGregor potentially fighting for the welterweight title if he wins at UFC 303. Speaking on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, current welterweight champion Leon Edwards mentioned the possibility of facing McGregor. Edwards is set to defend his title for the third time against Belal Muhammad at UFC 304 in July. He expressed interest in giving McGregor a chance to become a three-division world champion, suggesting a fight at Madison Square Garden in New York if both fighters win their upcoming bouts.
The UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden is expected at UFC 309 in November, with a headline bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. Both Jones and McGregor have shown interest in fighting on the same card, though it remains uncertain if the UFC would feature both stars simultaneously. Fans are excited at the prospect, as it would be a historic event for the promotion.
