McGregor Targets 170-Pound Title Shot, Rejecting Gaethje for Makhachev Challenge
Updated
Updated · NYFights · Jul 9
McGregor Targets 170-Pound Title Shot, Rejecting Gaethje for Makhachev Challenge
2 articles · Updated · NYFights · Jul 9
Summary
Conor McGregor said at UFC 329 media day that he wants a welterweight title run at 170 pounds, not a return to lightweight to face Justin Gaethje.
Five years after his last fight, McGregor said harsh weight cuts have changed his plans; coach John Kavanagh backed the move, calling 170 a comfortable fit for the former two-division champion.
UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas will test that shift immediately, with McGregor facing Max Holloway in a welterweight rematch more than 13 years after their 2013 meeting.
A win could set up a bid to become the UFC's first undisputed champion in three weight classes, with reigning welterweight champion Islam Makhachev due to defend against Ian Garry at UFC 330 on Aug. 15.
After five years away, can McGregor’s knockout power overcome both ring rust and a new weight class?
Is McGregor’s ambitious triple-crown quest a legitimate title run or simply a brilliant marketing finale?
UFC’s New Era: McGregor’s Historic Ambition, Makhachev’s Dominance at 170, and Gaethje’s Lightweight Legacy
Overview
The UFC lightweight and welterweight divisions in 2026 are shaped by dynamic champions and ambitious contenders. Justin Gaethje, a prominent lightweight champion, has twice captured the interim title but fell short of unifying the undisputed belt after submission losses to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. Despite these setbacks, Gaethje remains a central figure, recently gaining significant social media attention and anticipating a major title unification fight with Ilia Topuria. His journey highlights the intense competition and evolving narratives that define the current UFC landscape, setting the stage for high-stakes matchups and shifting ambitions among top fighters.