Conor Disappointed, But Still Motivated

Conor McGregor’s career remains at a crossroads without a confirmed date for his Octagon comeback.

McGregor expressed frustration after being left off the UFC Freedom 250 (White House) card on June 14. McGregor had long been linked to a fight with Michael Chandler, a bout that has been in the works since their time on The Ultimate Fighter. However, Chandler is now set to face Mauricio Ruffy on the White House South Lawn. McGregor has been vocal about the booking, suggesting that the UFC is opting for a “budget version” of the real thing.

With the Chandler fight currently off the table, the 37-year-old Irishman has shifted his focus toward the BMF Champion Charles Oliveira, who beat Max Holloway at UFC 326 last weekend. However McGregor insists that any BMF title fight must happen at 170-pounds, the weight class where the belt was originally founded by Nate Diaz, and Oliveira currently competes at 155lbs. McGregor is now being rumored to headline UFC’s major card following their White House event, which is on July 11 in Las Vegas, the culmination of International Fight Week.

“I was up for the White House. I know the administration was strong for me to be in the White House. It was McGregor versus Chandler. The story was built in. Chandler is a standup guy. He’s electric in the cage. He comes to bring it. I’m the Mac. I’ll fly through the air [with] an opponent like Chandler. It would have been dynamite as far as a fight.

I’m going to do 170, as you know. Still here in this limbo… I hope a respectable offer comes through. I’m notoriously good to deal with. I’m an honest man. I admire fairness, and I’m sure we can get it done. There you go. I assume the vibes I’m getting, and I don’t mind it at all, is the BMF… Maybe it’s me and [Charles Oliveira] for the next one… I’m motivated to compete, to return. To show my work, show my level, show where I am at today to the world. So, BMF is great. It puts a belt on the waist for sure. I’m for sure a bad man with a good heart. So, why not acquire the BMF title?,” McGregor said