McGregor Regrets Not Fighting Woodley For Third Belt

Photo by Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Conor McGregor could have been the UFC’s first triple champ, but “Notorious” never got his chance to fight for a third belt.

McGregor, who became the first UFC fighter to simultaneously hold two belts with a win over Eddie Alvarez back at UFC 205 in late 2016, took his double champ status and scored a massive money fight against boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. nine months later. McGregor ended up losing his professional boxing debut to “Money” but it remains one of the biggest fights in combat sports history.

While McGregor’s current fame and worth are directly associated with his Mayweather superfight the Irish superstar is having a few regrets later into his career. In hindsight, “Notorious” would have liked to take his chances at capturing a third UFC title following his win over Alvarez.

Remember, McGregor held the featherweight and lightweight belts at that time. He would have had to move up in weight and challenge then UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley. McGregor had logged two previous appearances at 170 pounds for his Nate Diaz rivalry.

McGregor took to social media on Thursday to express his regret in not trying to win a third UFC title.

“Currently watching Woodley Wonderboy 1 on BT Sport. I should have went for that treble real quick. Pre Floyd. Ah well, the game is still young,” McGregor tweeted.

Woodley, who is no longer the UFC’s welterweight champion, fought Stephen Thompson to a draw as part of UFC 205’s co-main event. It was Woodley’s first attempt at a title defense. He would fight “Wonderboy” a second time four months later and win via majority decision.

Funny enough, McGregor and Woodley shared a behind-the-scenes altercation during UFC 205’s weigh ins. McGregor ended up staring down “Chosen One” as the welterweight champ refused to back off. The altercation can be seen HERE.

Woodley, who is never one to back down from a social media exchange, was quick to respond to McGregor’s tweet, suggesting “Notorious” would have never beat him four years ago.

“Shoulda woulda wouldn’t have #AllCap,” Woodley responded.

This matchup would have been nice to see, especially if McGregor was going for a third UFC title, but we’ll have to imagine the outcome at this point. McGregor is still young enough to find a way into the welterweight title picture in the future, but Woodley is 38 years of age and has lost his last three Octagon appearances.

What say you, Maniacs? Did McGregor stand a chance against Woodley back in 2016?

Sound off!