Daniel Cormier is convinced his Conor McGregor prediction involving one UFC star will stand test of time

Daniel Cormier has insisted that he cannot see the UFC booking one potential fight involving fellow MMA legend Conor McGregor right now.

Conor McGregor is currently sidelined after the 38-year-old Irish MMA superstar tore his ACL and meniscus during his long-awaited return to the octagon in the summer.

The UFC legend suffered a first-round TKO defeat to Max Holloway at UFC 329 during their main-event clash at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

McGregor, who has lost all three of his last fights, underwent successful reconstructive knee surgery in August after his setback against Max Holloway.

McGregor has just one fight left in the UFC before he is free to fight wherever he wants.

Conor McGregor has teased a return to the octagon once he has recovered from his knee injury, despite his last UFC win coming back in 2020 against Donald Cerrone.

Justin Gaethje is currently the kingpin of the lightweight division after he finally captured the title for the first time in his career against Ilia Topuria in June.

The 37-year-old went to war inside the octagon with the once-undefeated Ilia Topuria before his fourth-round TKO win at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.

Justin Gaethje has been clear that a McGregor fight would appeal to him in his first title defense, but Daniel Cormier does not see that encounter happening soon.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, ‘DC’ said: “Now, a Conor McGregor fight, Justin said, ‘Absolutely.’

“But to me, that fight is just not possible because he’s the world champion.”

Justin Gaethje is currently nursing injuries to his knee and hand and the UFC lightweight champ is not expected to return to action until 2027.

Cormier has ruled out the idea that the ‘Highlight’ would vacate his championship crown without making a title defense to ensure a fight with McGregor could happen.

“I read somewhere [that] he said he would vacate the belt to fight Conor,” he explained.

“You can’t do that. You can’t do that. It would harm his legacy to give away the belt and put value in the money fight over being a world champion, and I can’t imagine Justin Gaethje would do that.”

McGregor has only one fight left on his current UFC deal and Dana White’s MMA promotion has not handed him a contract extension so far.