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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Donagh Corby & Darragh Culhane

Conor McGregor told he could have title shot after UFC comeback

Conor McGregor has been told that he could be fighting for a UFC belt in the near future by Michael Bisping.

The UFC legend has backed the Dubliner to return to MMA believes he will fight for a belt in the near future.

McGregor has been out of action since 2021 but could return later this year.

And Bisping has had issues with his Irish counterpart in the past, but has no problem admitting the two-weight world champion commands such fanfare and pay-per-view interest that he could become undeniable for a shot at the belt. McGregor is currently preparing for his return after almost two years out of action, and is keen to return at welterweight in search of a third belt.

However, McGregor has won just once in the last six years, defeating Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 in 2020 with a series of losses on either side. He's been defeated in his last two by Dustin Poirier, and had previously been submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov after losing his boxing debut to Floyd Mayweather.

"Whether you like it or not Conor's still the biggest start in the sport," Bisping explained to fans during a YouTube stream. "And with one win you can bet your bottom dollar that he's going to fight for the title. Of course he is, and the reality is that if you own the organisation and you've got a guy like Conor who can bring in millions of PPV buyers you'd probably do the same thing.

"I don't agree with it, but that's just the way the world works. Conor McGregor vs Tony Ferguson - Tony's very hittable and Conor's very good at hitting. Tony hasn't won, I think he's lost five in a row now, sadly for him. He got knocked out against Michael Chandler, what a knockout that was, absolutely beautiful.

"Tony's in a tough spot right now and Tony should probably retire. It's a good comeback fight for Conor. Find his mojo, knock someone out, get his confidence and potentially set up a title fight."

McGregor even toyed with the idea early in his plans for a comeback of going for an immediate title fight back when Kamaru Usman was still champion. However, he seems to be more realistic about his plans, with a comeback bout against either Ferguson or Michael Chandler.

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