Conor McGregor‘s long awaited UFC return may take an unexpected turn, according to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani. Helwani discussed McGregor’s comments regarding his contract status and suggested that the Irishman could be matched up with Paddy Pimblett.
McGregor has not competed since 2021, when he suffered a broken leg during his bout with Dustin Poirier. Speculation has continued over whether ‘The Notorious’ will make his comeback at the upcoming White House event.
Helwani noted that the White House card will not feature any outside sponsors or live gate. As a result, he suggested that the Irishman could return at a later date, allowing the UFC to maximize its revenue.
“I remind you, when that White House card comes around Jun. 14, there will be no pay-per-view, there will be no gate. And from what I’m hearing, there’s gonna be no sponsors as well,” Helwani said during The Ariel Helwani Show. “I’m not saying will not come back. But, [UFC] got a pay-per-view in July. Maybe they save him for that and sell tickets and gate, and all that stuff.”
He added:
“If he is involved, I could see a scenario where it’s him versus Paddy [Pimblett], if it’s not [Michael] Chandler,” Helwani said. “I think it should be Chandler No. 1. If it’s not Chandler, Paddy is probably No. 2 at this point.”
Paddy Pimblett Addresses Speculation on Potential Conor McGregor Bout
Paddy Pimblett also addressed speculation linking him to a potential fight with Conor McGregor upon the Irishman’s return. At the time, Pimblett was preparing for his interim lightweight title bout with Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. Despite that, ‘The Baddy’ didn’t dismiss the possibility of facing McGregor.
Pimblett is currently part of the lightweight title picture, while McGregor remains unranked and shown interest in welterweight bouts. A matchup would require ‘The Baddy’ to pause his lightweight title pursuit and move up to 170-pounds to face the Irishman.
Although the fight wouldn’t align with Pimblett’s lightweight title aspirations, he admitted that he would accept it. He emphasized that the exposure and financial upside of facing McGregor would make the decision an easy one.
“It doesn’t really make sense, but you’d be an idiot to say no to fighting, wouldn’t you? Let’s be honest,” Pimblett told reporters during his pre-fight media availability ahead of UFC 324. “Everyone knows that’s the biggest money fight that you can get in this sport.”
Has Michael Chandler Moved on From McGregor Matchup?
As Ariel Helwani suggested, Michael Chandler remains the most logical opponent for McGregor’s return. The two share history, most notably after serving as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter.
Chandler has maintained interest in facing McGregor inside the octagon. However, he has also expressed a strong desire to compete at the UFC‘s White House event.
If the lack of a live gate reduces McGregor’s chances of competing, Chandler is open to facing another opponent. During a press scrum, ‘Iron’ said he wants to compete at the White House and vowed to steal to show.
“Everyone knows that’s what my sights are set on. Best case scenario, it’s me and Conor. Worst case scenario, I’m still fighting at the White House, fighting someone else,” Chandler told reporters. “I will steal the show, and I will end up with one of those bonuses.”
Insider Suggests Unexpected Matchup for Conor McGregor’s UFC Return