Justin Gaethje just took a not-so-subtle shot at Conor McGregor, labelling the Irish superstar a “b**ch” for consistently avoiding a fight with him. The comment came after a fan expressed their admiration for the former UFC champion, prompting Gaethje’s fiery retort: “He’s a b**ch… He won’t fight me.” Despite the harsh words, ‘The Highlight’ did tip his cap to McGregor’s legendary achievements, specifically praising the prime version of the fighter who was “broken hungry.” All of this unfolds as McGregor targets a 2026 return to the octagon, with his focus reportedly set on a long-awaited bout with Michael Chandler.
Justin Gaethje’s Blunt Take on Conor McGregor
Justin Gaethje never minces his words, and his recent fan interaction was no different. When a fan declared McGregor their favourite fighter, Gaethje seized the moment to voice his long-standing grievance. He pointed to a specific moment after McGregor’s win over Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone as a missed opportunity, asserting that the Dubliner had actively chosen not to face him. This perceived ducking has become a core part of their one-sided rivalry.
However, in a display of begrudging respect, Gaethje was quick to acknowledge what McGregor accomplished at his peak. He praised the Irishman’s historic achievements, calling them “almost impossible to repeat,” and gave credit to the relentless drive McGregor possessed during his rise, a quality that seems to be a benchmark for Gaethje himself.
The History of a One-Sided Rivalry
The bad blood between Gaethje and McGregor isn’t new; it’s a story of missed opportunities and public call-outs. Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has repeatedly stated that McGregor has turned down fights against his client on multiple occasions. This has only added fuel to the fire for Gaethje, who sees a fight with ‘The Notorious’ as a legacy-defining opportunity that remains just out of reach.
The context of their careers adds another layer. McGregor has been on the sidelines since his horrific leg break against Dustin Poirier nearly four years ago. In contrast, Gaethje remains active at the top of the division, even hinting that without a title shot, retirement could be on the horizon. This stark contrast in their current trajectories makes the potential for a clash all the more compelling, yet increasingly unlikely.
McGregor’s Long-Awaited Road Back to the Octagon
After a prolonged absence, Conor McGregor is finally mapping his return to the UFC, with a targeted comeback date set for 2026. He has officially re-entered the USADA drug testing pool, a necessary step for any fighter returning to competition. The long-standing plan has been a showdown with Michael Chandler, a matchup originally slated for 2024 that was scrapped due to McGregor’s injury.
Adding weight to these plans, McGregor’s head coach, John Kavanagh, has provided promising updates. He noted that McGregor has been a consistent presence at the SBG Ireland gym and has specifically requested a structured training camp leading into the summer. This newfound dedication suggests McGregor is serious about making a successful return and recapturing the form that made him a global phenomenon.
Gaethje’s Benchmark: The Legacy of Anderson Silva
When asked to name his favourite fighter, Justin Gaethje didn’t choose a rival or a teammate; he chose a legend: Anderson Silva. His admiration for ‘The Spider’ highlights the Brazilian’s status as a true benchmark for excellence in mixed martial arts. Silva’s iconic reign as middleweight champion, defined by unparalleled striking and dramatic finishes, set a standard that modern fighters still aspire to.
This choice offers insight into what Gaethje values most: technical brilliance and fighting spirit. While he acknowledges McGregor’s impact on the sport, his reverence for Silva’s artistry and longevity paints a picture of a purist who holds the traditional pillars of MMA in the highest regard. It’s a legacy that both Gaethje and McGregor, in their own ways, are still chasing.
The Business of a Blockbuster: Why the Fight Still Makes Sense
From a purely business perspective, a fight between Gaethje and McGregor remains one of the biggest pay-per-view draws the UFC could make. It’s a classic striker-vs-striker matchup with genuine, simmering bad blood. Gaethje’s fan-friendly, brawling style against McGregor’s precision power and showmanship is a recipe for a memorable war. For the UFC, the promotional material writes itself, blending Gaethje’s authentic grit with McGregor’s unparalleled trash-talking prowess. Even if the competitive timelines are misaligned, the sheer financial incentive means this fight will always be a topic of conversation until one of them retires.
Legacy and Leverage: What’s at Stake for Both Men
For Gaethje, a fight with McGregor is about more than a paycheck; it’s about legitimacy and cementing his own legacy. Beating a name as big as McGregor, even a version past his prime, would be a career-defining win that eclipses many of his other accomplishments. For McGregor, the stakes are different. A win over a perennial top contender like Gaethje would be a stunning statement, instantly re-establishing him as a legitimate force in the lightweight division and silencing many of his doubters. A loss, however, could signal that his time at the very top is truly over. For both, it’s a high-risk, high-reward scenario that defines the latter stages of their careers.
Conclusion
The simmering tension between Justin Gaethje and Conor McGregor continues to be a captivating subplot in the UFC. Gaethje’s recent comments underscore a genuine frustration, while McGregor’s methodical preparation for a comeback keeps hope alive for a blockbuster clash. Their intertwined narratives—one focused on a final run at gold, the other on a triumphant return—highlight the relentless and often personal pursuit of greatness at the sport’s highest level.
Whether they ever actually share the octagon remains to be seen, but the drama and desire surrounding the potential fight ensure that both fighters will remain in each other’s orbit, much to the delight of fight fans around the world.
