Conor McGregor: The Triple Crown Beckons

Conor McGregor hasn't fought in five years, yet he remains the biggest star and the strongest draw in combat sports. It's only natural, then, that he's constantly challenged by everyone from champions to top contenders.

Even before throwing a single punch against Max Holloway in their UFC 329 rematch, McGregor's name has been mentioned countless times. This includes Justin Gaethje, the new undisputed lightweight champion, who expressed interest in a potential bout. While Gaethje has many options after finishing Ilia Topuria at UFC White House, he admitted he'd be ringside for Saturday's fights, adding, "I'd love to punch Conor McGregor in the face."

McGregor, for his part, doesn't seem particularly keen on granting Gaethje's wish, especially if he once again dispatches Holloway this weekend.

"Get in line," McGregor stated during Wednesday's UFC 329 media day. "There are a few others talking about it. Look, he holds the lightweight title, congratulations to him. But Holloway left him face down and ass up [at UFC 300]. And badly. Really, really badly. So right now, I'm not even thinking about it. Would I go down to lightweight again? That's something I'm not too sure about either. The triple crown entices me. Less disrespect, you f***ing loser."

By "triple crown," McGregor refers to his desire to add a third title to his collection, having previously been a champion in both the lightweight and featherweight divisions. But first, McGregor must overcome Holloway as he returns from a five-year absence and recovers from the leg break he sustained in his last fight in 2021.

McGregor is well aware that many doubt him ahead of Saturday's event, but this only provides him with additional motivation to prove he's truly back in peak form.

"There's nothing better than proving people wrong," McGregor said. "Everyone has a right to an opinion. Some opinions are valid. There are questions. The long layoff. The injury. The lifestyle. I know. Here we are. Let's go. Saturday night, we're going in there and we're going to shut them all up again. Business is booming. Money is coming. Get in this game, we're gaining momentum. 'Mac' is back."

At his peak, McGregor was not only a massive star and the first simultaneous two-division champion in UFC history, but he arguably changed MMA more than any other fighter to ever step into the Octagon.

It's been a decade since he held two titles and called himself "champ-champ," but McGregor believes he's still fully capable of changing the game again with this comeback.

"To shake up the game," McGregor said. "Certainly to shake up the business. To prove myself. To myself – I am who I say I am. I am what I am."