League: UFC Sport: MMA Country: Global Category: General

Justin Gaethje targets Conor McGregor for his next UFC bout

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 6:34 AM

Last updated Sep 3, 2026

Justin Gaethje targets Conor McGregor for his next UFC bout

Summary

Justin Gaethje announced that a fight against Conor McGregor is his primary goal for his upcoming return to the Octagon. Gaethje, who holds the lightweight title following his victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, stated he has no interest in seeking rematches against Max Holloway or Charles Oliveira. Both fighters previously defeated Gaethje, but because Topuria recently secured victories over both men, Gaethje considers those chapters closed. McGregor is currently preparing for his final bout under his existing UFC contract, which is expected to occur in the summer of 2027. McGregor last appeared at UFC 329, where he sustained a knee injury during a fight against Holloway that ended after about one minute. No formal agreement has been reached between the two fighters for a future match.

Source Links

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Status Watch

•Justin Gaethje holds the UFC lightweight title after beating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.
•Gaethje expressed interest in a bout with Conor McGregor rather than rematches with previous opponents.
•Conor McGregor last fought at UFC 329 and is under contract for one more match.
•McGregor plans to compete in his final UFC bout during the summer of 2027.
•The most recent McGregor fight ended in a referee stoppage due to a knee injury.

Latest Updates

6:34 AMSherdog — Justin Gaethje wants Conor McGregor next: ‘Fun to shut him up’
6:34 AMYahoo Sports — Justin Gaethje wants Conor McGregor next: ‘Fun to shut him up’

What they're saying

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Justin Gaethje has revealed that a showdown with Conor McGregor is his top choice for his next bout.
— Sherdogby SouravChakraborty@sherdog.com (Sourav Chakraborty)