30 January 2023 , 13:42
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Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has backed Conor McGregor to be fighting for world championships after just one fight of his octagon comeback this year.
The Brit has had issues with his Irish counterpart in the past, but has no problem admitting the two-weight world champion commands such fanfare and pay-per-view interest that he could become undeniable for a shot at the belt. McGregor is currently preparing for his return after almost two years out of action, and is keen to return at welterweight in search of a third belt.
However, McGregor has won just once in the last six years, defeating Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 in 2020 with a series of losses on either side. He's been defeated in his last two by Dustin Poirier, and had previously been submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov after losing his boxing debut to Floyd Mayweather.
"Whether you like it or not Conor's still the biggest start in the sport," Bisping explained to fans during a YouTube stream. "And with one win you can bet your bottom dollar that he's going to fight for the title. Of course he is, and the reality is that if you own the organisation and you've got a guy like Conor who can bring in millions of PPV buyers you'd probably do the same thing.
"I don't agree with it, but that's just the way the world works. Conor McGregor vs Tony Ferguson - Tony's very hittable and Conor's very good at hitting. Tony hasn't won, I think he's lost five in a row now, sadly for him. He got knocked out against Michael Chandler, what a knockout that was, absolutely beautiful.
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"Tony's in a tough spot right now and Tony should probably retire. It's a good comeback fight for Conor. Find his mojo, knock someone out, get his confidence and potentially set up a title fight."
McGregor even toyed with the idea early in his plans for a comeback of going for an immediate title fight back when Kamaru Usman was still champion. However, he seems to be more realistic about his plans, with a comeback bout against either Ferguson or Michael Chandler.
Conor McGregor wants a new, third world title (Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Do you think Conor McGregor will ever fight for a UFC title again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
He recently flirted with the idea of returning to coach The Ultimate Fighter, a reality show where he trained fighters back in 2015. “This is a snap from the original ultimate fighter house," he wrote in a musing Instagram post. "Where I coached vs Urijah Faber. This photo was just before the show though.
"It was right before I won my first world title beating Urijah's teammate Chad Mendes around. I then went on to coach the famous fight show straight after the fight. With a big black eye and a gash, my tricolour, and my new and first ever UFC gold belt, I waltzed into the notorious fight gym in Las Vegas.
"The slickest suits and shouts the show had ever seen before. On top of the silverware. And I coached my team to victory. Crazy. Some journey. I have just been offered to coach this role again. I like it. It is full immersion which is needed. I see fighters lining up. I know what is ahead I been ready motherf******s. #StayReady."