Justin Gaethje recently gave his honest views on whether he believes he will lock horns with Conor McGregor someday.

Gaethje is currently on a hiatus after winning the UFC lightweight championship on June 14 at the White House by dethroning Ilia Topuria. “The Highlight” doesn’t know what’s next for him but has told fans that if he doesn’t vacate and retire, he will defend his title next year.

So far, in 2026, Gaethje has fought twice and has no intention of entering the octagon a third time this year. He recently revealed to Sports Illustrated that his hands still haven’t fully healed after the Topuria fight, and he still cannot punch anything.

When asked about a potential bout with Conor McGregor, “The Highlight” added that he is willing to face “The Notorious” if the bout is handed to him but doesn’t think it will happen.

“If it came to my table, I would entertain it. But I would doubt that. He’s going through his own stuff. I don’t even want to talk down on that guy anymore. I’ve done it. That doesn’t work because I’ve tried.”

Check out Justin Gaethje’s comments about Conor McGregor below:

Previously, Gaethje and his manager had claimed that McGregor had been offered a fight against “The Highlight” at least five times. According to Ali Abdelaziz, McGregor allegedly rejected the matchup because Gaethje had previously trashed him on social media.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 11: Conor McGregor of Ireland is consoled by Bruce Buffer after suffering a loss against Max Holloway in a welterweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Who does Conor McGregor want to fight next?

Conor McGregor returned to the octagon after a five-year hiatus at UFC 329 to run it back with Max Holloway. However, McGregor’s comeback bout turned out to be a nightmare for the Irishman and his fans, as he tore his ACL and meniscus right after the opening bell and lost by TKO (injury) after just 69 seconds.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 11: Max Holloway faces Conor McGregor of Ireland in a welterweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) and LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 11: Max Holloway of the United States celebrates after defeating Conor McGregor of Ireland in their welterweight bout during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

Despite back-to-back setbacks, McGregor is not ready to give up. He has already undergone surgery and hopes to return next year on International Fight Week for a trilogy bout with Holloway, with the series now tied at 1-1.

The former UFC two-division champion has just one fight remaining on his contract, and at 38 years old, it seems unlikely he will continue fighting in the UFC. He would prefer to transition to boxing or compete in BKFC, which he partially owns.

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.