McGregor dismissed Oliveira's invitation following his UFC 274 victory, but the former two-weight champion has been encouraged to consider a bout with the Brazilian for his return.
Follow Us
Conor McGregor has been advised to consider accepting Charles Oliveira’s request for his UFC return bout. Former lightweight champion Oliveira called McGregor out following his victory over Justin Gaethje earlier this month. Oliveira was scheduled to defend his crown against Gaethje, however he was stripped of the title after failing to make weight for the bout. Oliveira said he was a “trouble” for the whole lightweight category and challenged McGregor to a fight later this year, to which the Irishman replied,
“I’m not sure I wish to cut the weight. I am really enjoying being built like a refrigerator. I feel I want to fight at this size just to watch it back lol. But I’d love to fight the Brazilian, 100 per cent! I love Brazil and I’m unbeaten against Brazil. All KO’s. I’ve some thinking to do.” With no opponent set for McGregor’s return, MMA analyst Chael Sonnen thinks ‘Notorious’ should welcome Oliveira’s challenge.”
Chael Sonnen said, “The mere fact that Oliveira is asking for McGregor. Not only saying, ‘I would do it’. Going a step further and saying, ‘I want to do it. Please let me do it. Help me to do it.’ For Conor McGregor, you’ve got to take a good look at that world title fight. You’ve got to take a real good look at that. Those don’t come along very often. Now, to impress Conor with that will be a little bit harder than any of the other 155 guys and gals on the roster. Only because he’s done it.”
READ MORE: Conor McGregor scorns Jorge Masvidal after being accused of using steroids
Conor McGregor hasn’t won at lightweight since capturing the belt six years ago to become a two-weight champion. Last year, he had a horrible season, losing twice to Dustin Poirier and fracturing his tibia in their trilogy. The Irishman anticipated that Oliveira’s submission talents would be too much for Gaethje, and he was correct when he tapped out the American in the first round. McGregor was quick to respond to Oliveira’s call-out following his victory, writing: “Shut up you bum and get back to that favela and pay your piece.”
After deleting the message, McGregor reversed his stance, applauding the Brazilian. He wrote “Congratulations Charles Oliveira on your multi-million payday for your last fight. Incrível! A multi-millionaire from the favelas! Wow inspiring to the youth there! Enjoy every cent, party time!”
Stephen Thompson declines the quick turnaround fight and wants Usman next.
