Conor McGregor has boldly declared the UFC middleweight crown as “his” while previewing this weekend’s Khamzat Chimaev vs Sean Strickland grudge match at UFC 328. The former two-division champion, yet to compete at 185lb, took to social media to announce that the title on the line in Newark, New Jersey, already belongs to him.
McGregor’s Middleweight Ambitions
Despite a legacy built at featherweight and lightweight, McGregor has been steadily adding muscle since his last octagon appearance in 2021. Known for his outlandish pronouncements, he posted on X: “Very excited for the Newark, New Jersey UFC card, with my 185lb UFC title on the line!” The message—quickly deleted—suggests he’s angling for a spot in the middleweight division, long before even stepping into the cage at that weight.
Setting the Stage for UFC 328
All eyes are on Khamzat Chimaev as he defends his freshly-won middleweight belt against former champion Sean Strickland. The matchup promises fireworks, fuelled by personal animosity and high stakes. Fight week has already seen verbal volleys escalate, and McGregor’s surprise intrusion only adds to the intrigue surrounding the pay-per-view main event.
Potential Path for ‘The Notorious’
McGregor is rumoured to return this summer in a welterweight rematch with Max Holloway, more than a decade after their first 145lb clash. Yet his comments about the 185lb title hint at a longer-term plan: a three-division quest that could see him follow in Amanda Nunes’s footsteps. Should he secure a win at 170lb or 185lb, a meeting with the Chimaev-Strickland victor would be a blockbuster on paper.
Whether McGregor’s bravado is grounded in genuine plans or promotional flair, his claim has already stirred debate among fans and pundits. As UFC 328 approaches, the MMA world will be watching not just the middleweight showdown, but also the Notorious Irishman’s next move.
FAQ
When is Conor McGregor’s next fight?
McGregor has not officially confirmed a date, but reports suggest a welterweight rematch with Max Holloway could happen later this year.
What did McGregor say about the 185lb title?
On X, McGregor wrote that his “185lb UFC title” would be on the line at UFC 328, a post he removed shortly after sharing.
Who is headlining UFC 328?
The main event pits new champion Khamzat Chimaev against former titleholder Sean Strickland in a highly anticipated grudge match.
Could McGregor fight for the middleweight belt?
If McGregor moves up and wins at welterweight or directly at middleweight, UFC matchmakers may consider him for a title shot against the Chimaev-Strickland winner.
