Brendan Schaub lays out a plan for Conor McGregor's return in 2023
Conor McGregor is targeting a highly-anticipated return to the octagon in 2023. Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub shared how he believes the former double champ should approach his return.
I am clear for testing in February. I will complete my two tests per USADA and we are booking a fight.
Speaking to The Schmo, Schaub stated:
"I think he does [return in 2023], and I think he gets a [Michael] Chandler or a Tony Ferguson fight. He needs to humble himself a little bit. He can't go straight for like a Makhachev. That ain't gonna ever happen."
Schaub continued:
"He's not making [155 pounds], so he's gonna have to do a Chandler at [170 pounds] or Tony Ferguson at [170 pounds]. He can't fight the tip of the spear right now. He can't take all this time off and then jump in and fight the kings. It doesn't work like that."
While it remains unclear if McGregor will return in 2023, he has hinted that he will be moving up in weight when he does. Several fighters have already begun to angle for the opportunity to face McGregor for a massive payday.
Watch Brendan Schaub discuss Conor McGregor's highly-anticipated return to the octagon below (starting at the 5:30 mark):
Sean O'Malley shares how he misses Conor McGregor fights
Conor McGregor is by far the biggest draw in mixed martial arts history, he has headlined the six best-selling pay-per-view events in the sport. Sean O'Malley recently shared that he believes he will be the next fighter to bring fans the same feeling as the former double champ, who has not entered the octagon since breaking his leg at UFC 264 in 2021.
Speaking to Helen Yee, the No.1-ranked bantamweight stated:
"I've been watching, recently, a bunch of old Conor stuff, like the best moments they have, embeddeds, countdowns and lead-ups. The UFC is missing that Conor feel. That massive fight feel, and I do believe that I'm the next guy to bring that feeling to the people. That's what we're missing. I miss it. I miss the giant Conor fights."
While the UFC is yet to have a fighter reach the same level of stardom as McGregor, many believe that the promotion is pushing O'Malley in his quest to do so.
Watch Sean O'Malley discuss bringing the Conor McGregor 'feel' below (starting at the 1:02 mark):