Justin Gaethje wants Conor McGregor next: ‘Fun to shut him up’

Justin Gaethje said his top choice for his next bout is Conor McGregor, clarifying his plans after winning the UFC lightweight title at UFC Freedom 250. The potential Justin Gaethje vs Conor McGregor matchup sits alongside his recent decision to pass on rematches with Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira. Gaethje noted that after Ilia Topuria finished both fighters, he sees little need to revisit those losses to Holloway at UFC 300 for the BMF title and to Oliveira in a bid for undisputed gold. McGregor returned at UFC 329 following a five-year hiatus, but a knee injury ended his bout with Holloway in just over a minute. With one fight remaining on his contract, McGregor is targeting his final UFC appearance for summer 2027.