Former two-weight UFC champion, Conor McGregor has claimed he has stopped a multitude of holes in the overall game of current welterweight kingpin, Kamaru Usman, including an apparent, “suspect dome” — before claiming he would fancy his chances of clinching a third UFC crown if paired with him.
McGregor, who last featured in the main event of UFC 264 back in July, dropped his second consecutive loss at lightweight in the form of a first round doctor’s stoppage TKO loss to former interim champion, Dustin Poirier after he fractured his left tibia at the end of the opening frame.
The Dubliner, who underwent a surgical procedure the following day in California, is expected to be sidelined until next summer at the very earliest as he continues to recover and rehabilitate, however, tonight as part of an “#AskNotorious” session on his official Twitter, claimed he would be back in a position to spar fully by April.
“I will be full mixed martial arts sparring by April,” Conor McGregor tweeted. “Easily! By then a return will be imminent. But I must be patient. I will beat this!“
McGregor, who has been linked with a slew of opponents for his expected return next year, including the likes of Jorge Masvidal, Michael Chandler, Nate Diaz, Tony Ferguson, and the aforenoted, Poirier — has also claimed he will challenge for gold upon his return.
Conor McGregor questions the durability of Kamaru Usman, and envisions a third UFC title victory against him
The 33-year-old has frequently linked himself to a welterweight title challenge against Usman in the future. And when asked for his assessment on the Auchi native’s UFC 268 victory over Colby Covington, claimed he saw many holes in the defending champion’s game.
“(I) thought Colby (Covington) lumped him up nice last fight,” Conor McGregor tweeted. “Finished stronger. Without that 2nd round knockdown, it’s Colby’s fight imo (in my opinion). If even still. I see many holes. As well as a suspect dome. I fancy it greatly for the treble.“
Whilst McGregor envisions a future fight with Usman, the defending welterweight champion is already firmly on the radar of the #3 ranked, Leon Edwards who hopes to secure a well-overdue title rematch with the Nigerian next.
Another contender who appears to have grabbed the attention of McGregor is former featherweight kingpin, Max Holloway, with the duo originally clashing back in 2013. Both McGregor and Holloway appear to be highly receptive to a rematch to boot.