Conor McGregor is undoubtedly the biggest star the sport of MMA has ever seen. Despite being out of action for over two years, ‘The Notorious’ still happens to be one of the biggest fights in all of combat sports and many fighters are chasing a potential fight against him.
This includes the newly crowned UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. He shocked the world this past weekend after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski. His UFC 298 bout against Volkanovski was considered to be his toughest test inside the octagon and ‘El Matador’ managed to earn a statement victory.
After viciously knocking out Alexander Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria proceeded to call out Conor McGregor for a fight inside the octagon. During the post-fight interview, Topuria challenged McGregor to a fight in Spain and said:
“Hey Dana, Hunter, it’s showtime. It’s time to take the UFC to Spain. Conor McGregor, if you still have some b*lls, I will be waiting for you in Spain.”
The comments made by Ilia Topuria certainly did not sit well with Conor McGregor. The former UFC featherweight champion responded by saying:
“I have huge b*lls, I’ve 4 kids.”
Conor McGregor’s reaction to Ilia Topuria calling him out last night ? pic.twitter.com/zG4VdfRTS1
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) February 18, 2024
Dana White opens up on “money complications” in Conor McGregor’s potential return
Conor McGregor’s return to the octagon has been the topic of discussion for a while now. The former UFC double champion has been inactive for over two years after sustaining a nasty leg injury in 2021. While he is deemed fit and ready for a fight, there seems to be no fixed date for his return.
Moreover, McGregor is billed to take on Michael Chandler upon his return. However, there have been no further developments as of now. While speaking about it during the UFC 298 post-fight press conference Dana White revealed that the Irishman’s financial success has complicated negotiations. He said:
“Conor McGregor’s got a lot of money, and anytime we get Conor, we’ll be happy, know, be thrilled when he comes and fights. But money complicates a lot of things. He just filmed a movie. He’s got to do the press for the movie, and he’s got obligations with that, and he does want to fight this year, but we’ll see what happens.”
Dana White is asked if wanting to re-sign Conor McGregor to a longer contract is the reason he hasn't fought.#UFC pic.twitter.com/tqRYFTg5ae
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) February 18, 2024
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