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It’s been a while since we last saw Conor McGregor in the octagon. But it sounds like he’s aiming for a return in 2023.
At least that’s what his coach John Kavanagh claims. On top of that, we may have a good idea of who McGregor is going to face once he finally returns to the cage.
During an interview on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Conor McGregor’s coach details what he believes is in store for 2023.
MMM Fighting shares Kavanahg’s response after being asked about the requirements McGregor and his team are looking for in a potential matchup. “What matters to me is that, let’s say I’m seeing Conor this week and we’re chatting and he says a few names and I see a name particularly gets the eyes open, particularly gets his pacing up and down the living room and showing me what he’s going to do and what he’s not going to do. That would be absolutely the most important thing for me, is that it’s a name that’s going to excite him.”
But who are those names? Due to Conor McGregor falling out of the top rankings of the lightweight division, he’ll still likely face a top-tier opponent. Even so, he’s not likely to get a title shot at this time.
Regardless, his coach lists several names that could be in play, per MMA Fighting. “You’ve got the great Nate Diaz is obviously in there. Justin Gaethje would be a very interesting matchup, somebody he hasn’t fought before. The [Dustin] Poirier fight, we’ve done that so many times at this stage and it’s just a weird one. Michael Chandler, a great fighter, a great athlete. They’re all brilliant. They’re all going to bring something different to the contest.
With that said, it sure sounds like Conor McGregor and his team are narrowing down which opponent to face next. The UFC superstar must clear testing for several months before he’s cleared to fight. So, we may not see McGregor. inaction until at least the summertime.