Conor McGregor could make his return to the lightweight class this summer as he is being linked to an intriguing clash with Justin Gaethje.
‘The Notorious’ from Ireland ended his 15-month fighting hiatus last January and headlined a blockbuster welterweight clash at UFC 246 opposite Donald Cerrone.
Announcing his return with an emphatic win, McGregor finished the MMA veteran just 40 seconds into the opening round using brutal shoulder strikes, a head kick, and ground-and-pound.
According to McGregor, the win made him the only fighter to score a knockout victory across the featherweight, lightweight , and welterweight classes.
Back in the title-picture, UFC president Dana White revealed the promotion is looking to book him against Khabib Nurmagomedov for his next fight in a re-run of their October 2018 showdown, where McGregor lost by way of submission.
But in a recent report from ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, he revealed the Nevada-based promotion is targeting a fight between McGregor and Geathje for this summer.
“Ariel Helwani says a summer time fight between McGregor vs. Gaethje is the current front runner. Things could change, talks very preliminary at this point. #HelwaniShow”
On The List
While the Irish star is currently being linked to higher profile fights, he assured Gaethje he is on the list of his target opponents.
“He’s on the list. He is on the list,” Conor told The Mac Life.
“Maybe I will face him next.”
“Maybe I’ll face him next, you know? He has it coming to him.”
“I mean laugh at how Justin is behaving. He’s a funny guy. He’s been taking it very to heart, you know? And I know the feeling when you do that.”
“So maybe I’ll get through Donald and I’ll have a quick turnaround against Justin.”
“So maybe that’s what will happen. But Justin is on the list, no doubt.”
Ducking
The lightweight contender, who is on a three-fight winning streak, has told TMZ that McGregor is avoiding him as he believes the former two-division champ is more interested in easy fights.
“ As you can see, the man is not going to fight me. What the f*ck do you gotta do? He’s running out of easy fights. I’m sitting here, smoking my CBD, waiting for a motherf*cker to punch me in the face. Let’s go, don’t be a p*ssy.”
Would you like to see Conor McGregor fight Justin Gaethje next?
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Conor McGregor and Justin Gaethje)