‘Best-case scenario’… Justin Gaethje calls out Conor McGregor and aims ultimate dig at UFC legend

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has pulled no punches towards MMA legend Conor McGregor after teasing his return to the octagon in the future.

Justin Gaethje finally climbed to the top of the lightweight division in the UFC after the 37-year-old American overcame Ilia Topuria in his last outing in the octagon.

The ‘Highlight’ handed Ilia Topuria the first defeat of his professional MMA record after he forced a stoppage against his opponent in the fourth round in June.

Since the UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House, Gaethje has been out of the octagon and is not expected to return to action in Dana White’s promotion in 2026.

Netflix has announced that the UFC CEO will co-promote the monumental event in Cardiff – but Eddie Hearn insists that is not happening.

UFC star Justin Gaethje has been sidelined and is currently recovering from severe hand and wrist damage and is nursing a deep bone bruise in his knee.

The lightweight champion is tipped to make the first title defense of his UFC crown in 2027 and Gaethje touched on his future inside the octagon as well.

Gaethje refused to rule out a potential encounter with Conor McGregor and said that the UFC legend has only one fight left on his deal with Dana White’s organization.

Speaking to the Flagrant podcast, he said: “I don’t know what’s gonna happen [next]. It’s interesting. It’s fun, though. It’s a good position to be in.

“Conor McGregor has one fight left on his contract. Yeah, it’d be fun [to fight him].”

Conor McGregor has lost his last three UFC fights and the Irish star has not won inside the octagon since his 2020 comeback against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246.

The 38-year-old UFC superstar saw his last two fights against Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier end due to injury setbacks and Gaethje threw shade at McGregor.

“I don’t care [if he stays healthy for it],” Gaethje added.

“Best-case scenario, he shows up and f—— gets hurt in the first five seconds.”

McGregor underwent surgery in early August for a torn ACL and meniscus in his leg after his first-round TKO loss to Max Holloway in Las Vegas at UFC 329 in July.