“I Would Love to Punch Conor McGregor in the Face” – Justin Gaethje Eyes Conor McGregor Legacy Fight Following UFC Freedom 250 

Justin Gaethje has faced a murderer’s row of opponents since making his UFC debut against Michael Johnson in 2017. The American has exclusively fought ranked contenders and former champions at lightweight, sharing the Octagon with the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dustin Poirier, Charles Oliveira, Eddie Alvarez, and Paddy Pimblett. One notable name missing from that list, however, is Conor McGregor.

That could soon change. Gaethje shocked the MMA world at UFC Freedom 250 by dethroning Ilia Topuria to capture the undisputed lightweight championship. Meanwhile, McGregor is finally set to return after a five-year absence when he takes on Max Holloway at UFC 329 during International Fight Week on July 11. 

Although Gaethje is expected to remain sidelined for the rest of 2026 due to the toll of years of wars inside the cage and a series of lingering injuries, he is already thinking about what comes next. Speaking on The Jim Rome Show, the reigning lightweight champion addressed his future, saying, “For right now, I feel like I’m going to fight again. That’s what I feel inside my body. I haven’t made a choice.”

While Gaethje has previously acknowledged Arman Tsarukyan as the most deserving contender at 155 pounds because of his recent run of dominance, he also made it clear that a potential showdown with McGregor is one that greatly interests him.

He said, “Yeah, I’m very interested to see what happens in that fight. Max definitely knocked me out, but I feel like I got that win back with the Ilia Topuria fight. As I’ve stated hundreds of times publicly. I would love to punch Conor McGregor in the face.”

“As I’ve stated hundreds of times publicly: I would love to punch Conor McGregor in the face.”@Justin_Gaethje on the #UFC legend’s return to the Octagon. pic.twitter.com/hYdNy6p1v6

— Jim Rome (@jimrome) June 26, 2026

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Gaethje was referring to his unforgettable clash with Holloway at UFC 300. In one of the most iconic moments in UFC history, the two exchanged strikes in the center of the Octagon during the closing seconds of the fight before Holloway landed a devastating knockout punch with just one second remaining on the clock. The finish instantly became one of the most memorable knockouts the sport has ever seen.

However, with Topuria later knocking out Holloway at UFC 308 and Gaethje subsequently defeating the Spaniard to claim the lightweight title, the champion believes the circle has effectively been completed, leveling the score in his mind. 

Gaethje also discussed what a potential fight with McGregor could mean for both his legacy and earning power, while acknowledging the Irishman’s unmatched drawing ability in the sport. He added, “There’s no doubt he’s one of the biggest superstars in the sport. Fighting a guy like that obviously does great things for me financially and for my legendary status and stuff like that. I’m excited about that fight. I’m excited to be there and then watch it.”

For context, McGregor recently shared his assessment of Gaethje during a UFC media appearance with Paramount, offering a mixed review of the lightweight champion’s abilities. He said, “Max has flatlined Justin. He knocked him out. Face down. Out cold. Justin’s ok. When he’s on, Justin’s ok. When he’s bad, he’s atrocious. He’s woeful. He slaps his punches a lot. But he’s very, very durable, and he’s unorthodox in his style.”

🚨 Conor McGregor says he’d be open to fighting either Justin Gaethje or Islam Makhachev for the belt after Max Holloway. 👀

🟢On Justin Gaethje:
“I think Gaethje is good when he’s on, but when he’s off, he’s atrocious. I fancy my chances against him.”

🟢On Islam Makhachev:… pic.twitter.com/FrPXZWFKNM

— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) June 17, 2026

If McGregor is able to get past Holloway in his long-awaited return at UFC 329, a clash with Gaethje would instantly become one of the biggest fights the UFC could make. That said, McGregor’s long-term plans remain uncertain. The former two-division champion has repeatedly suggested that he now considers himself a natural welterweight and may prefer to continue his career at 170 pounds rather than return to the lightweight division full-time. As a result, much could hinge on the outcome of July 11 and how McGregor looks in his comeback performance against Holloway.