Conor McGregor has again spoken about what he wants from his next step in competition, and his focus remains on championship gold. As the UFC continues developing its planned White House event for June, McGregor believes he will be placed on that card once the bouts are officially arranged. From his perspective, the return is not only about activity but also about aiming for another division’s top prize.
He discussed the idea of sharing the cage with Islam Makhachev and explained his current mindset regarding such a challenge.
“I’m motivated,” McGregor said when asked about the appeal of meeting the welterweight champion. “I’m self-motivated and I for sure want a crack at that belt. I for sure want a crack at that 170-pound belt to go for the triple crown.”
McGregor Views Makhachev As A Meaningful Target
Makhachev’s recent move up from lightweight to claim the welterweight championship by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 earned the champion praise across the sport. McGregor watched the performance closely and offered his own description of how a future meeting between the two would feel for him.
“It would be a good fight, a good scrap,” McGregor explained while breaking down the style matchup. “Southpaw, southpaw. It was a good performance out of him and fair play to him, he had the courage to do it, to go up. So yeah, I’m excited for it, let’s see what happens. Let’s get back in the mix.”
A contest between McGregor and the current welterweight champion would represent one of the most surprising bookings in recent UFC memory. Makhachev sits at the top of many pound for pound lists, while McGregor has been away from competition since 2021 and last earned a victory nearly six years ago. The two also share indirect history through Makhachev’s mentor Khabib
Although he is eager for the Makhachev opportunity, McGregor continues to acknowledge the long-standing pairing with Michael Chandler. They coached against one another on The Ultimate Fighter 31 and were lined up for UFC 303 before McGregor withdrew with a toe injury. To him, the opponent is less important than staying active.
“I won’t say no to no one,” McGregor said. “The UFC will decide it and I don’t care, I just want to come back. I’m just eager to come back and show my work.”
White House Card Still Waiting For Final Approval
The UFC CEO has not yet finalized matchmaking for the historic White House event, but McGregor insists he will be included once the organization begins sending out official contracts.
“The White House is on,” McGregor said. “We’re just waiting for a full confirmation. I assume around February, they’ll come reaching out and we’ll go into the contract negotiations and matchmaking orders, that’s what they say. So I’m just staying ready in the gym, two times a day.” via MMAFighting
For now, McGregor remains in training and continues to promote the idea of competing for a new championship while also entertaining the possibility of long delayed matchups. Makhachev stands as the name he appears to want most, and the chance to become a champion in a third division is the outcome he says drives him.
