Kamaru Usman weighed-in on the career of Conor McGregor, and says he can’t see the former two-weight UFC world champion attaining gold again.
In a recent interview on Valuetainment, Kamaru Usman offered a candid perspective on Conor McGregor’s trajectory within the UFC, expressing doubts about the Irish fighter’s current drive to reclaim championship status.
Usman, known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” refrained from passing judgment but observed that McGregor’s present lifestyle indicates a lack of motivation to ascend to the pinnacle of the UFC once more. According to Usman, while a comeback for McGregor is conceivable, reclaiming a championship would be a formidable challenge given the specific mindset required.
Kamaru Usman Labels UFC Star Conor McGregor “Not Hungry”
“For Conor, I do think he’ll make a comeback. He might win fights here and there, but I just don’t see him becoming a champion again because it’s a different mindset to be there. And it’s very, very tough to plug in to that.”
Acknowledging McGregor’s extended absence due to injuries, Usman emphasized that the MMA world continued to evolve during this period. He noted a surge of elite fighters vying to dominate the sport, suggesting that McGregor’s competitors have been making strides at a faster pace.
“The world is catching up because there are guys that are looking up to that position, and they’re coming up; they’re still moving. But now, your progression is not as fast as it was. It’s slowly starting to dim now. So they’re [other elite fighters] starting to catch up a little bit.”
McGregor’s last professional bout dates back to UFC 264 in 2021. Initially set to face Michael Chandler in the TUF 31 finale, the plans were derailed due to complications, including issues with the UFC’s partnership with USADA.
McGregor vs. Chandler?
Looking ahead, Michael Chandler remains optimistic about a potential bout with McGregor in the first quarter of 2024.
“As it stands, I am positive about fighting McGregor in the first quarter of 2024.”
As McGregor navigates the challenges of a prolonged hiatus, the sport continues to evolve, witnessing a dynamic shift in the competitive hierarchy. While McGregor’s undeniable impact on the sport persists, the looming question remains: Can he plug back into the championship mindset and overcome the challenges presented by a rapidly progressing field of competitors?
What do you think of the comments from Kamaru Usman? Do you think Conor McGregor can return to championship glory? Let us know in the comments!
