Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight champion Conor McGregor, who also held gold at 145 pounds, seemed unstoppable in the wake of his UFC 205 knockout win over Eddie Alvarez, which took place back in late 2016.
But since then, “Notorious” has competed just once inside the cage, a submission loss to longtime rival, Khabib Nurmagomedov, at UFC 229 roughly one year back. While he didn’t run out of Las Vegas with a pillow over his face, he may still end up like Ronda Rousey.
That’s according to top lightweight contender, Justin Gaethje.
“I think he knows that he needs a win but at the end of the day this is gonna be another Ronda Rousey story,” Gaethje told TMZ Sports. “He dug himself too deep of a hole and there’s no way he can come out of it. He’s gonna get knocked out and he’s gonna go away.”
Rousey completely dominated the women’s bantamweight division and parlayed her mixed martial arts (MMA) success into a Hollywood career, much like Gina Carano before her. But after suffering two brutal knockout losses, “Rowdy” packed her bags and departed combat sports forever.
“He’s an absolute bitch if he does not fight me,” Gaethje continued. “He’s gonna lose a ton of respect from all his fans. I mean, how big of a bitch can you be? Especially when you call yourself the king – the Burger King – and then not fight me solely for the purpose that you have to get a win so you won’t face me.”
McGregor is expected to make his Octagon return at the promotion’s Jan. 18 pay-per-view (PPV) event in Las Vegas. While no opponent has been named at this time, longtime lightweight veteran Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone is the front runner.
Gaethje, meanwhile, remains unbooked.