Conor McGregor has been well-renowned for his trash-talking over the years, particularly when it comes to fellow fighters.
‘Notorious’ has been involved in several spats with Dustin Poirier in the past 12 months, including over a reportedly proposed charity donation and a direct message between McGregor and Poirier’s wife.
He also accused current UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman of copying his shots when he defeated Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261.
Last March, he called out boxing world champion Canelo Alvarez for a bout. Alvarez’s trainer Eddy Reynolds didn’t rule out the fight during an interview with Boxing Scene, but did make it clear that it would have to be a boxing match.
Now, McGregor is seemingly planning a route back into the Octagon. He hasn’t fought since breaking his leg in a defeat to Poirier at UFC 264 last July.
He has been linked with several intriguing match-ups, including against the current lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira.
Could Oliveira v McGregor happen?
Although McGregor hasn’t experienced the greatest fortunes in UFC in recent years, there is no doubt that he still has star appeal. Fans want to see ‘Notorious’ step into the Octagon.
UFC president Dana White did not rule out a potential lightweight title fight for McGregor. Speaking to ESPN, he stated: “I don’t know the answer [to a possible fight] until it gets closer.”
Whether the Irishman deserves the fight is another question entirely. He has lost four of his last seven UFC fights, including twice against Poirier. He is also regularly embroiled in controversy.
One person who thinks he shouldn’t receive an opportunity is Justin Gaethje. He is currently number one in the rankings and defeated Michael Chandler at UFC 268. He believes he should be the next challenger for the lightweight title.
In December, he proclaimed to TMZ: “He [McGregor] has not won a fight since 2016 in the lightweight division. I’m ranked number one. I saw they updated the rankings. I’m number one now. That feels pretty good.
“My whole life, I’ve been working towards this. That is what’s next. If not, I’ll f***ing burn it all down. I’ll show up and start throwing dollies everywhere.”
McGregor turns attentions to Oliveira – and Neymar
In true McGregor style, ‘Notorious’ has gone on the offensive towards his potential future opponent on social media.
Oliveira posted a photo on his Instagram account showing himself, the UFC lightweight belt and Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar.
The presence of one of the world’s top footballers in the photo couldn’t stop Conor McGregor from aiming a dig at his rival’s expense – in fact, he included Neymar in his response as well.
On his Instagram story, McGregor posted a screenshot of the photo followed by the words: “Smoke the two of these”.
It would undoubtedly be, let’s say, an interesting sight to witness Neymar saunter into the UFC Octagon to take on Conor McGregor. Or the Irishman to face him on the football pitch. Thankfully, though, a battle against Oliveira is more likely for ‘Notorious’.
Will the Brazilian take the bait and fight McGregor? We’ll have to wait a bit longer to find out.
Featured Image Credit: Getty