Conor McGregor’s long-awaited UFC return is just days away, and the Irish superstar is already back doing what made him one of the biggest draws in combat sports—grabbing headlines.
At UFC 329 media day, McGregor took aim at UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, responded to questions about his personal controversies, and declared he is ready to remind the world why he remains one of MMA’s biggest stars.
The most memorable exchange came when McGregor was asked about Gaethje, who recently said he would like to fight the former two-division champion after UFC 329.
Rather than welcome the challenge, McGregor dismissed the reigning lightweight champion in trademark fashion.
McGregor said:
“Less of the disrespect, you f***ing bum.”
He then referenced Gaethje’s famous knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300.
“Max put you face down, ass up.”
The comments continue a growing rivalry between the pair.
Gaethje recently revealed he intends to be cageside for McGregor’s return against Holloway and has repeatedly stated he would welcome a blockbuster fight should McGregor be victorious.
McGregor, however, insisted he isn’t focused on one opponent.
He said his priority is simply staying active once he returns.
“I want the smoke. I want all the smoke.”
While he didn’t commit to remaining at lightweight, McGregor suggested he is open to fighting across multiple divisions if the opportunities are right.
Media day wasn’t solely about fighting.
McGregor was also questioned about the off-field controversies that have surrounded him during his five-year absence from the Octagon, including legal proceedings and public criticism of his lifestyle.
He acknowledged he had made mistakes but said those experiences had changed his perspective.
McGregor described his lengthy layoff as an opportunity to refocus on becoming an elite athlete again, adding that he is determined to let his performances inside the cage speak louder than the distractions outside it.
The 37-year-old has not competed since suffering a horrific leg break against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Since then, questions have persisted over whether the former featherweight and lightweight champion can return to the level that once made him the biggest pay-per-view attraction in UFC history.
McGregor said:
“Less of the disrespect, you f***ing bum.”
He then referenced Gaethje’s famous knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300.
“Max put you face down, ass up.”
The comments continue a growing rivalry between the pair.
Gaethje recently revealed he intends to be cageside for McGregor’s return against Holloway and has repeatedly stated he would welcome a blockbuster fight should McGregor be victorious.
McGregor, however, insisted he isn’t focused on one opponent.
He said his priority is simply staying active once he returns.
“I want the smoke. I want all the smoke.”
While he didn’t commit to remaining at lightweight, McGregor suggested he is open to fighting across multiple divisions if the opportunities are right.
Media day wasn’t solely about fighting.
McGregor was also questioned about the off-field controversies that have surrounded him during his five-year absence from the Octagon, including legal proceedings and public criticism of his lifestyle.
He acknowledged he had made mistakes but said those experiences had changed his perspective.
McGregor described his lengthy layoff as an opportunity to refocus on becoming an elite athlete again, adding that he is determined to let his performances inside the cage speak louder than the distractions outside it.
The 37-year-old has not competed since suffering a horrific leg break against Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
Since then, questions have persisted over whether the former featherweight and lightweight champion can return to the level that once made him the biggest pay-per-view attraction in UFC history.
Standing across the Octagon will be a familiar opponent.
McGregor first defeated Max Holloway in 2013, but both fighters have transformed dramatically since that meeting. Holloway has become one of the most accomplished featherweights of his generation, while McGregor’s career has been interrupted by injuries, business ventures and long periods away from competition.
Whether McGregor can turn back the clock remains one of the biggest questions in mixed martial arts.
One thing, however, hasn’t changed.
The confidence.
Or the trash talk.
Even before the cage door closes at UFC 329, “The Notorious” has already reminded the fight world exactly why every Conor McGregor fight week feels different.
