Coach Kavanagh Confirms Conor Mcgregor’s UFC Return Negotiation Still ‘Ongoing’
Former Two-division champion Conor Mcgregor hasn’t fought since scoring a win over Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205, become the first fighter in UFC history to hold two titles in different divisions simultaneously.
During his absence from Octagon, Mcgregor went on to box with Floy Mayweather Jr and lost the bout via 10th round by TKO last August.
Irishman is currently dealing with his legal issues following his Brooklyn bus rampage, but that doesn’t mean his fighting career is on pause. Mcgregor’s coach confirms, MMA star in talks for his UFC return and that against lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“I hope so. It’s no secret the headlines are out there. There is ongoing negotiations. Like I said, I have to be honest and I don’t know, I don’t involve myself in the management things,” revealed Kavanagh during a recent chat with ESPN.
“Him and Audi have that on lock down. They both know what they’re doing in that world and I’m okay on the coaching side of things. I hope so. I get regular updates and it is ongoing,” he added.
Straight Blast Gym head coach added, Mcgregor putting on some serious training sessions that prove he still has that spark and ready to put his other business venture aside to take his fighting career seriously.
“I really have seen the spark back lately,” Kavanagh said. “I think that was directed at other areas of his life for a while, building up his business world — which is completely justified. We all know the hard-luck stories of fighters retiring broke. They get pats on the back and they’re forgotten,” he said.
”I supported [McGregor focusing on other business] and I’m fully behind it, but I do see the spark back. I do see him very hungry, coming down to regular jiu-jitsu class and throwing a gi on. Strength and conditioning. There’s a real fire back.”
Regarding Mcgregor’s pending case about Bus melee, coach says, one wrong act shouldn’t stop you seeing the good in another person.
“It is what it is. I don’t really have a comment on that,” Kavanagh said. “Conor is a man. He’s his own person. He’s very busy with what he’s doing outside the gym. I’m super busy with what I’m doing outside and inside the gym.
”I love him to bits. He’s been my kid brother for over 10 years. I am behind him 100 percent. Is he perfect? No. Are you? No. Am I? No. But I know he’s a good person. I’ve seen all the good stuff he’s done. He’s incredibly loyal. He’s a great teammate. What can I say? I support him.”
Mcgregor’s next court date is on July 26, where Irishman’s team will make a case for a plea that helps Conor to avoid jail time.
