Ali Akbar Rosady
Dublin, Ireland – Mixed martial arts icon Conor McGregor has offered a candid evaluation of Justin Gaethje’s fighting capabilities, describing the former BMF champion as "OK" at his best, but "atrocious" and "woeful" when not performing optimally. These remarks come as McGregor prepares for his highly anticipated return to the Octagon, signaling a clear intent to remain active and pursue further championship glory, specifically within the welterweight division.
McGregor, set to face Max Holloway on July 11 at the hypothetical UFC 329 event, has consistently expressed his eagerness to compete following a prolonged layoff due to injury. While a return to the lightweight division (155 pounds) and a potential clash with the undisputed lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, remains a perennial topic of discussion among fans and media, McGregor’s recent comments suggest a different trajectory.
In an interview with Paramount, McGregor elaborated on his assessment of Gaethje, stating, "Justin’s OK. When he’s on, Justin’s OK. When he’s bad, he’s atrocious. He’s woeful. He slaps his punches a lot. But he’s very, very durable and he’s unorthodox in his style." Intriguingly, McGregor also referenced a previous encounter, asserting, "Max has flatlined Justin. He knocked him out. Face down. Out cold."
This specific remark from McGregor, made prior to recent events, holds particular significance in light of Max Holloway’s dramatic knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April 2024. In that monumental bout for the BMF title, Holloway delivered a last-second, spectacular right hand that rendered Gaethje unconscious, directly fulfilling McGregor’s assessment of Holloway’s capability to "flatline" Gaethje. At the time of the original quote’s context, Gaethje held the BMF title, having secured it with a stunning head-kick knockout of Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 in July 2023. Gaethje’s professional record stands at 25 wins and 5 losses, with 20 victories coming by knockout. His fighting style is characterized by an aggressive, high-pressure approach, powerful leg kicks, and an unyielding demeanor, often leading to "Fight of the Night" accolades. He has faced and defeated numerous top contenders, including Donald Cerrone, Tony Ferguson, and Michael Chandler, though he fell short in undisputed lightweight title bids against Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. McGregor’s observation about Gaethje’s "slapping" punches might refer to the wide, looping nature of some of Gaethje’s strikes, which, while effective, sometimes lack the crisp, linear precision seen in other elite strikers. However, Gaethje’s undeniable durability and unorthodox offensive pressure have consistently made him one of the most exciting and dangerous fighters in the lightweight division for years.
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Despite the intriguing prospect of a clash with Gaethje, particularly given the recent BMF title shake-up, McGregor appears largely unconcerned with a direct return to his former lightweight domain. Instead, the focus for "The Notorious" one seems firmly fixed on the welterweight division, where he is slated to make his return against Holloway. "For sure [I can make a run at the title]," McGregor affirmed. "I’m a 170-pound fighter now. I already held the 155-pound unified UFC world title. I’m open for business. I wish for activity. I’ve got a great fight in front of me."
McGregor’s shift to welterweight (170 pounds) marks a distinct phase in his career. Having previously achieved unprecedented status as the first simultaneous two-division champion in UFC history, holding both the featherweight (145 pounds) and lightweight (155 pounds) titles, his aspiration for welterweight gold represents a pursuit of a historic third divisional title. The current welterweight landscape features Leon Edwards as the reigning champion, with formidable contenders such as Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Colby Covington vying for top contention. McGregor’s past ventures into welterweight include two memorable bouts against Nate Diaz, splitting the series, and a swift knockout victory over Donald Cerrone. Competing at 170 pounds allows McGregor to avoid the rigorous weight cut to 155 pounds, a factor he has frequently cited as physically taxing. This decision aligns with his stated desire for increased activity and potentially reduced strain on his body following his significant injury.
The Irish superstar’s future in the UFC is also underscored by his current contract status, with only "two fights remaining." This contractual detail adds an additional layer of intrigue to his upcoming performances, as each bout could significantly impact his negotiating power and long-term career trajectory within the promotion or potentially outside of it.
McGregor’s desire for activity is a central theme of his comeback narrative. He suffered a severe leg injury—a broken tibia and fibula—in his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021. This injury led to a nearly three-year hiatus from active competition, a period he has expressed frustration about. "I don’t want to sit on the sideline any longer after missing out on five years of his career due to the broken leg he suffered in his last outing back in 2021," McGregor stated, emphasizing his eagerness to make up for lost time. He has hinted at a busy schedule, including his July return against Holloway, and then "his next matchup in April 2027." While the April 2027 date seems unusually far into the future for a fighter prioritizing activity, it may indicate a long-term plan or a placeholder in ongoing discussions with the UFC, rather than an immediate next fight. Regardless, McGregor’s consistent message is one of renewed dedication to competition.
The upcoming bout against Max Holloway carries significant historical weight. Their first encounter took place over a decade ago at UFC Fight Night 26 in August 2013, where McGregor secured a unanimous decision victory over a then-young Holloway. Both fighters were early in their UFC careers, and both have since ascended to become dominant champions in their respective divisions. Holloway, a former UFC Featherweight Champion, is renowned for his exceptional striking volume, durability, and relentless pace. His recent knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 further cemented his status as one of the sport’s pound-for-pound elite, demonstrating his formidable power even at higher weight classes. A rematch between two of the sport’s most iconic strikers, now both operating at welterweight and with over a decade of experience and accolades between them, presents a compelling narrative for fans.
Despite the numerous potential opponents and storylines circulating, McGregor maintains his characteristic indifference to specific challenges beyond his immediate focus. "There’s a few names for sure," McGregor acknowledged regarding future opponents. "I have just more so activity. I wish to just compete. I want the smoke. I want all the smoke. For sure. Bring it all on. I don’t rate them. Not on my level." He concluded with a confident promise: "Rather than saying it and getting into more detail on it, I would rather just show. That I will do." This statement encapsulates McGregor’s career-long philosophy: to let his performances in the cage speak volumes, rather than engaging in extensive verbal sparring outside of it.
As Conor McGregor prepares for his return, his comments on Justin Gaethje, his firm commitment to the welterweight division, and his unwavering desire for activity collectively paint a picture of a fighter re-energized and determined to reclaim his place at the pinnacle of mixed martial arts, irrespective of the specific challengers who may stand in his path. The journey begins anew with Max Holloway, setting the stage for what promises to be a pivotal chapter in the storied career of "The Notorious."
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