Cormier rules out McGregor fight for Gaethje

Former UFC champion explains why McGregor isn't next

Daniel Cormier doesn't see Justin Gaethje fighting Conor McGregor just yet.

For many, Justin Gaethje's first title defense should be relatively clear-cut. Arman Tsarukyan has clearly established himself as the number one contender with his strong recent performances. At UFC 331, he recently scored a strong knockout victory over Mauricio Ruffy after landing a brutal elbow strike.

Nevertheless, there are some who are likely more focused on the lucrative aspect and see a rematch against Ilia Topuria or a bout against Conor McGregor on the horizon.

However, Conor McGregor’s next comeback won’t likely take place until the summer of 2027 due to an injury, which is, of course, still quite a long time from now.

Daniel Cormier explained on his YouTube channel who he thinks should be next in line for Justin Gaethje and outlined why he considers a matchup with Conor McGregor to be quite unrealistic.

“There is no easy option for Justin Gaethje because even in retiring, it’s hard. Even if staying and winning again, it’s hard because there’s always going to be a pull to do it again. Now, Conor McGregor fight, Justin said, absolutely. But to me, that fight is just not possible because he’s the world champion. If he was without that belt, maybe. But as the world champion, McGregor can’t happen. And also I read somewhere where he said he would vacate the belt to fight Conor. You can’t do that. It would harm his legacy to give away the belt and put value in the money fight over being a world champion”

he said.

Justin Gaethje has actually mentioned several times in the past that he’d rather fight Conor McGregor than get revenge on old rivals. It’s no secret that this would be a very lucrative fight, but it’s still very unrealistic. Conor McGregor is nowhere near ready for a title fight, and other fighters definitely deserve it more. If Conor McGregor were to win his next fight, that might change, but for now, that’s not the case.

I actually see it exactly the same way as Cormier. Conor McGregor should under no circumstances fight for a title right now, at least if it were up to me. What do you guys think?