The whispers are getting louder, and if they’re true, the world of mixed martial arts is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Word on the street is that none other than Conor McGregor is in talks to take on a coaching role on the Russian version of The Ultimate Fighter, a show known as Alf Reality. And the potential opposing coach? The new king of the lightweight division, UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
For fans who have been waiting patiently (or not so patiently) for McGregor’s long-awaited return to the octagon, this is a massive piece of MMA news. The Notorious has been out of action for over four years, and while his much-hyped fight with Michael Chandler has been on and off, this coaching gig could be the perfect way for him to step back into the spotlight and build some serious hype for his octagon comeback.
McGregor Coaching: The Return of the King of Reality TV
This wouldn’t be the first time Conor McGregor has taken a seat in the coaching chair. He previously coached on The Ultimate Fighter 22 back in 2015, where he went head-to-head with Urijah Faber. His charismatic, trash-talking style made for must-see television, and a return to the format is a smart move to re-engage with his massive fanbase.
The Russian version of the show has already featured some big names, including Jon Jones and Nate Diaz, so it’s clear the producers aren’t messing about. Bringing in McGregor would be a guaranteed ratings smash. The fact that he’s rumoured to be coaching against Ilia Topuria adds a whole new level of drama. The two have been trading verbal jabs on social media for a while now, with McGregor even threatening Topuria during a live stream. This potential coaching battle would be the ultimate warm-up act for a mega-fight down the line.
A Rivalry in the Making: McGregor vs. Topuria
This isn’t just about a coaching role; it’s about setting the stage for one of the most exciting potential matchups in the UFC. Ilia Topuria has been on a tear, and his recent title win has cemented him as a force to be reckoned with. Fans have been debating whether the new champ could stand up to a prime McGregor, and a coaching rivalry would give us a taste of that fiery dynamic without them even stepping into the cage.
The original article mentioned that McGregor recently pulled out of the Irish presidential race and re-entered the drug-testing pool, all signs pointing towards a serious commitment to his fighting career. This rumour aligns perfectly with that narrative. By taking on a high-profile role on Russian TUF, McGregor can prove he’s still a major player in the sport, all while getting into Topuria’s head and building anticipation for a future showdown.
Why This Move Makes Sense for McGregor’s Comeback
The speculation has a lot of people talking. On social media, comments like ‘McGregor coaching on Russian TUF would break the internet’ are everywhere, proving that his star power hasn’t faded. A reality show gives him a chance to showcase his personality and competitive spirit, something that’s been missing from the sport since his last fight.
While some people are sceptical—given McGregor’s history of postponed fights—most fans are just excited by the prospect. This isn’t just about winning a coaching rivalry; it’s about rebuilding a legacy. For McGregor, a successful stint on the show, coupled with the hype of a potential fight with Topuria, could be the perfect way to cap off his UFC comeback and remind everyone why he’s one of the biggest stars the sport has ever seen.
The ball is in his court. All the pieces are falling into place for a truly epic return to the sport he once ruled. Now we just have to wait and see if these rumours turn into reality.
