Former UFC champion Conor McGregor is generating headlines once more, but this time the action unfolded on a football pitch rather than inside the Octagon. The Irish superstar has connected a recent sporting feat to his ambitious fighting future, setting his sights on a historic third UFC title.
The Dublin Football Hat-Trick That Sparked a Dream
On Monday, December 16, 2024, McGregor took to a local football field in Dublin, Ireland. Playing a casual match for Black Forge FC, a team linked to his pub business, the fighter showcased his athleticism by netting three goals. The moment was captured on video, featuring McGregor's signature loud celebrations.
Shortly after the match, McGregor addressed the camera directly. With a confident smile, he declared, "Triple crown, baby, we’re coming. That’s a sign. The treble crown." For 'The Notorious', the three goals were a powerful omen, symbolizing his relentless pursuit of a third UFC championship belt across different weight divisions.
Target Locked: Islam Makhachev and the Welterweight Throne
McGregor's proclamation points squarely at current UFC standout Islam Makhachev. Makhachev, after dominating the lightweight division, has recently moved up in weight—a decision McGregor has publicly praised as brave and one that amplifies the potential showdown. McGregor's goal is clear: he aims to challenge for the welterweight (170-pound) title, a belt he has never held.
This ambition builds on his historic achievement in 2016, when he became the UFC's first simultaneous two-division champion. During an interview in Dublin earlier this month, McGregor explicitly stated, "I want a crack at that 170-pound belt," highlighting the unique southpaw-versus-southpaw dynamic a fight with Makhachev would present.
The Roadblocks and Alternative Paths to a Comeback
Despite the big talk, significant hurdles remain. McGregor has not competed since suffering a devastating leg break at UFC 264 in July 2021 in Las Vegas. The UFC has not confirmed any title plans for his return, with President Dana White previously indicating McGregor must first win a comeback fight.
While McGregor dreams of Makhachev, others in the combat sports world see a different lucrative path. Former boxing world champion George Groves, speaking in London last week, suggested a clash with YouTube-star-turned-boxer Jake Paul is a strong possibility. Groves argued that Paul, after his loss to Anthony Joshua, needs a major name like McGregor—the biggest star in MMA—to rebuild his momentum.
Within the UFC ecosystem, the most discussed plan remains a long-awaited showdown with Michael Chandler. This fight is widely seen as the necessary first step before any title shot can be entertained.
For now, Conor McGregor continues to build narrative and momentum from a Dublin football pitch. Whether his return journey leads him to Islam Makhachev, Jake Paul, or Michael Chandler, one thing is certain: the noise surrounding the Irishman's next move is growing louder by the day.
