One of the UFC’s top welterweight contenders has cautioned Conor McGregor that he might need more than a single victory to secure a title shot.
McGregor, who made history as the first UFC fighter to simultaneously hold titles in two weight classes when he won the lightweight belt in 2016, has struggled to return to that form since his leg injury and three-year hiatus from the octagon. Having bulked up during his time off, McGregor now aims to compete seriously at welterweight, where he previously had two wins and a loss.
Despite McGregor’s star power potentially earning him a quick path to a title shot, Shavkat Rakhmonov, who is next in line for a chance at newly-crowned welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, has expressed doubts. Rakhmonov, currently ranked third behind Leon Edwards and Kamaru Usman—both of whom lost their recent title bouts—believes it would be unfair for McGregor to leapfrog contenders like himself.
In an interview with MMAFighting, Rakhmonov downplayed the idea of McGregor getting an immediate title shot, saying, “To be honest, I don’t even think about when Conor will fight or when he’ll be ready. He’s been preparing for a long time but hasn’t fought yet. I don’t think one win after three years will make a difference.
“I understand he’s a big star, but I don’t see it as feasible. I believe the UFC is the most fair organization, so I trust they’ll handle it appropriately.”
Regarding McGregor’s potential comeback, there are signs of progress. McGregor has been pushing for a return at UFC 310 in December, despite previous setbacks including a broken toe that caused him to withdraw from a fight with Michael Chandler. Dana White, who had previously been hesitant, is now more optimistic about McGregor’s return.
In a recent Instagram live session, UFC President Dana White hinted at upcoming news about McGregor, stating, “We talked about Conor today. We’ve got some news coming up.” Fans can expect an announcement regarding McGregor’s return soon.
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