As Conor McGregor and Dana White talk up the chances of a near-imminent Notorious return to the UFC Octagon, rumors spread regarding which numbered event the Irishman would headline, and against whom he’d fight.
The 37-year-old hasn’t fought since a freak injury left him with a double leg break in the middle of his trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier, which he lost in 2021 — a result that saw his record against ‘The Diamond’ to 1-2, and 22 (19 KOs, 1 sub) against 6 losses overall. Previously, McGregor was one of the UFC’s most successful and popular fighters. Those years, though, are long ago.
Regardless, McGregor — who has two fights remaining on his UFC deal — appears set to take part in a fight once again. Through an attorney, he said he was making preparations for “this summer’s fight.”
Now, a UFC commentator called Brendan Fitzgerald has revealed what he regards as the perfect card to main event on, and the perfect opponent to return against.
“I know the Conor rumors are out there, and I think everybody is in agreement that we would love to have Conor back in the octagon as soon as possible,” Fitzgerald told MMA Junkie recently.
“What possible better place than International Fight Week at a Las Vegas numbered event to do it?”
International Fight Week is one of the UFC’s marquee shows of the year, typically booked for the first weekend in July, which brings to an end a festival of combat sports in multiple disciplines including jiu jitsu. It’s likely a Zuffa Boxing event would feature during this year’s shows.
Fitzgerald suggested the “perfect” opponent, too — Max Holloway, a fighter he decisioned in 2013 but has since led a legendary career in world title fights, fan-friendly bangers, and BMF-esque showdowns. A McGregor do-over would be fitting for him.
“Max obviously off the top of the head seems like the most fitting,” Fitzgerald said. “There’s history, weight class, and all that sort of stuff.”
Considering so much uncertainty about how McGregor will fare after five years on the sidelines, and three years shy of 40, and so Fitzgerald tabs Holloway as “a pretty sizable favorite just since he’s been active.”
How motivated is Conor, and what’s he doing in the shadows? You can’t figure that out,” Fitz finished.
