​Conor McGregor may have dismissed Justin Gaethje’s latest callout, but his sights are set far higher than any single grudge match. As he prepares for his long-awaited return at UFC 329, the former two-division champion revealed an aspiration that would mark a historic milestone in the UFC: chasing a championship in a third weight class. Instead of centering his comeback on potential challengers or fresh feuds, McGregor laid out a broader and more ambitious vision for his career, one that could redefine his legacy in the sport.
In addressing Gaethje’s public desire to avenge a supposed feud by landing a punch on him, McGregor brushed off the immediate challenge and instead outlined a longer-term plan. He acknowledged Gaethje’s current status, noting that Gaethje holds the lightweight belt and offering a respectful nod to that achievement. Yet McGregor then reminded everyone of a moment that he believes demonstrates Gaethje’s vulnerabilities, stating that Holloway had once left Gaethje humbled on the mat. This line, while clearly a dig, also served to pivot the conversation away from a quick return to the Octagon for a single matchup and toward something more substantial.
McGregor didn’t stop at dismissing Gaethje’s gambit. He spoke frankly about his own future in the sport and his years-long pursuit of a challenge that would test him in a new domain. When pressed about returning to the lightweight division, he offered no guarantee, signaling that his ambitions extend beyond the confines of a single weight class. Then, in a moment that underscored his audacious mindset, he declared, “I fancy the triple crown.” It was a bold proclamation: a desire to become UFC history by winning championships in three different divisions, a feat that would cement his status as one of the most storied figures in mixed martial arts.
If McGregor is serious about a third title, the path won’t be simple or immediate. After spending five years away from competition, he would need to prove himself against top-tier contenders to earn another title shot. The climb would likely involve reestablishing his form, re-proving his dominance against elite opponents, and navigating the changes in the sport since his last appearance. Yet his drawing power is undeniable. A victorious comeback would instantly reinsert him among the UFC’s most magnetizing attractions, potentially opening doors to a slate of high-profile, blockbuster matchups that could captivate fans worldwide and drive pay-per-view numbers to new heights.
One compelling hypothetical storyline would pair McGregor with Islam Makhachev, the current welterweight king who is closely linked to Khabib Nurmagomedov. That rivalry, long simmering in UFC lore, could be rekindled in ways that amplify the allure of a third-title quest. While nothing about such a matchup is guaranteed and much would depend on how McGregor performs upon his return, the notion of chasing a historic third belt remains a provocative thread that could weave through the fabric of the sport’s next chapter.
Ultimately, whether McGregor will actually capture a third UFC title remains uncertain. What is clear from his latest remarks is that becoming the UFC’s first-ever three-division champion sits squarely at the top of his agenda. He is signaling a willingness to consider a broader, bolder trajectory rather than a quick, singular comeback fight. If he can translate that ambition into performance inside the cage, McGregor could redefine what is possible for a fighter at the peak of his career, leaving behind not only memorable battles but a lasting indelible mark on the sport’s history.