Conor McGregor’s coach revealed plenty about the UFC lightweight champion’s motivation to return…
With news breaking yesterday that Nate Diaz is eyeing a return to the octagon, it creates even more intrigue around when we will see the lightweight champion back in the UFC. With a possible six-figure payday from his fight with Floyd Mayweather in his pocket, however, some have speculated it’s possible we never see Conor return.
Dana White, in particular, has echoed the same sentiment.
“Listen, Conor might never fight again,” White said. “He made $100 million. I’ve got guys who made less than that who are lawyers and went to school their whole lives and quit working. When you go to school your whole life to be a lawyer, and you’re a good lawyer, and you make a few bucks and you’re done? The guy’s sitting home every day watching cartoons or whatever he’s doing. I don’t know.”
Recently McGregor’s longtime coach, John Kavanagh, conducted a Q&A with fans on Facebook and according to him, Conor’s motivation isn’t an issue.
Conor McGregor’s Next Fight
Current speculation is that Conor will face the winner of the UFC 223 fight between interim champion, Tony Ferguson, and Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Unfortunately for Ferguson and Nurmagomedov, it does not appear as though Conor will be stripped of the lightweight championship in-time for their bout at UFC 223 to be for the undisputed title. This despite a 14-month absence from the division’s current champion.
Will Conor Box Again?
Dana White said after the Mayweather versus McGregor fight this summer, that he will never allow Conor to box again. There are reasons to believe the UFC President’s opinion on the matter has changed, however.
White has enthusiastically told the press in recent months he plans to get into boxing promotion which, as he’s now seen, is often far more lucrative than MMA is.
It’s no secret White has been speaking to Floyd Mayweather about his plans so it’s possible he has interest in promoting another boxing match featuring Conor McGregor as well.
“No, no, no, I’m not leaving the UFC,” White stated.” I’m getting into boxing with (Endeavor CEO) Ari (Emanuel) and the UFC will be doing boxing, too.”
“It’s still early. We’re still working on it. I’ve got to get my (expletive) together, but I’m getting into boxing, man. It’s coming.”
John Kavanagh on Conor McGregor’s Return
“There’s so much happening in the division and things changing around and what have you [that] I can’t say who [and] I can’t say when [he will come back],” Kavanagh said.
“As people who follow him on social media will see, he’s back, very motivated, training a lot. He’s in the gym every day.
“The plan seems to be forming and getting more exact every day that (he’ll be) back in the UFC this year.
“When and against who, I would be just guessing.”
