Conor McGregor is all over the place these days, but fight fans were still surprised to see “Notorious” come face-to-face with former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan during a boxing event in Dubai on Saturday.
The two fighters were in attendance to watch some live boxing matches, but it’s unknown at this time why McGregor and Yan were called into the ring for a faceoff. Nonetheless, the two former UFC titleholders shared a rather intense moment in the center of the ring. McGregor, who has ballooned up over the years, towered over Yan. After a few moments of tense staring the two fighters broke character and shook hands.
Check it out in the above video player.
What made this event even stranger is the fact that Islam Makhachev was also in attendance and was seated on the other side of the ring from McGregor. Remember, Makhachev is the long-time friend and training partner of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who is undoubtedly McGregor’s biggest rival to date. It was awkward to say the least, but at least the Dubai promoters were smart enough to position each lightweight on opposite ends of the action.
Check it out below:
Conor Mcgregor and Islam Makhachev watching a boxing match on the opposite corners pic.twitter.com/3y2vTYh6hN
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) December 9, 2023
McGregor, who is still the biggest star in MMA today, is plotting his return to the Octagon sometime early next year. He’s expected to fight fellow Ultimate Fighter coach and lightweight contender, Michael Chandler, but that’s up in the air for now.
As for Yan, he was scheduled to fight Song Yadong this weekend at UFC Vegas 83, but an injury knocked him out of commission. He was replaced by bantamweight contender Chris Gutierrez.