{"id":875560,"date":"2026-08-31T23:46:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-31T23:46:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/875560\/"},"modified":"2026-08-31T23:46:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T23:46:09","slug":"justin-gaethje-reacts-to-potential-conor-mcgregor-fight-i-would-entertain-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/875560\/","title":{"rendered":"Justin Gaethje Reacts To Potential Conor McGregor Fight: “I Would Entertain It”"},"content":{"rendered":"

Justin Gaethje recently gave his honest views on whether he believes he will lock horns with Conor McGregor<\/a> someday.<\/p>\n

Gaethje is currently on a hiatus after winning the UFC lightweight championship on June 14 at the White House by dethroning Ilia Topuria<\/a>. \u201cThe Highlight\u201d doesn\u2019t know what\u2019s next for him but has told fans that if he doesn\u2019t vacate and retire, he will defend his title next year.<\/p>\n

So far, in 2026, Gaethje has fought twice and has no intention<\/a> of entering the octagon a third time this year. He recently revealed to Sports Illustrated that his hands still haven\u2019t fully healed after the Topuria fight, and he still cannot punch anything.<\/p>\n

When asked about a potential bout with Conor McGregor, \u201cThe Highlight\u201d added that he is willing to face \u201cThe Notorious\u201d if the bout is handed to him but doesn\u2019t think it will happen.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it came to my table, I would entertain it. But I would doubt that. He\u2019s going through his own stuff. I don\u2019t even want to talk down on that guy anymore. I\u2019ve done it. That doesn\u2019t work because I\u2019ve tried.\u201d<\/p>\n

Check out Justin Gaethje\u2019s comments about Conor McGregor below:<\/p>\n

Justin Gaethje hasn\u2019t completely closed the door on a fight with Conor McGregor, saying he would entertain the matchup if offered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it came to my table, I would entertain it. But I would doubt that. He\u2019s going through his own stuff. I don\u2019t even want to talk down on that guy\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/O3h3UtOGe5<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) August 30, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Previously, Gaethje and his manager had claimed that McGregor had been offered a fight against \u201cThe Highlight\u201d at least five times. According to Ali Abdelaziz, McGregor allegedly rejected the matchup because Gaethje had previously trashed him on social media.<\/p>\n

\"ConorLAS VEGAS, NEVADA \u2013 JULY 11: Conor McGregor of Ireland is consoled by Bruce Buffer after suffering a loss against Max Holloway in a welterweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger\/Zuffa LLC)<\/p>\n

Who does Conor McGregor want to fight next?<\/p>\n

Conor McGregor returned to the octagon after a five-year hiatus at UFC 329 to run it back<\/a> with Max Holloway. However, McGregor\u2019s comeback bout turned out to be a nightmare for the Irishman and his fans, as he tore his ACL and meniscus right after the opening bell and lost by TKO (injury) after just 69 seconds.<\/p>\n

\"MaxLAS VEGAS, NEVADA \u2013 JULY 11: Max Holloway faces Conor McGregor of Ireland in a welterweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger\/Zuffa LLC) and LAS VEGAS, NEVADA \u2013 JULY 11: Max Holloway of the United States celebrates after defeating Conor McGregor of Ireland in their welterweight bout during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Despite back-to-back setbacks, McGregor is not ready to give up. He has already undergone surgery<\/a> and hopes to return next year on International Fight Week for a trilogy bout with Holloway, with the series now tied at 1-1.<\/p>\n

The former UFC two-division champion has just one fight remaining on his contract, and at 38 years old, it seems unlikely he will continue fighting in the UFC. He would prefer to transition to boxing or compete in BKFC, which he partially owns.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udea8 Max Holloway wants his next fight to either be a 155\/170 title shot, or a Conor McGregor rematch<\/p>\n

“If it’s Conor next year, great. I got a win at 170\u2026 I got history with the 155 champ\u2026 if it’s a title shot at either weight class, sign your boy up. If it’s a Conor McGregor\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/PQ2cfebbS1<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n