Conor McGregor vs Charles Oliveira Didn’t Happen Because of One Reason, Says Daniel Cormier

UFC legend Daniel Cormier reveals how Charles Oliveira's recent form may have influenced the failed Conor McGregor fight.

Conor McGregor vs Charles Oliveira Didn’t Happen Because of One Reason, Says Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier reveals why Charles Oliveira is not fighting Conor McGregor (via MMA Fighting, The Sun)

Conor McGregor has long been praised for his willingness to accept any challenge at any moment. The Irish star returns against Max Holloway at UFC 329 after five years away from competition. BMF champion Charles Oliveira revealed he was initially considered for McGregor’s comeback fight. However, UFC legend Daniel Cormier suggested Oliveira’s recent dominance may have influenced that decision.

Rumors of a McGregor-versus-Oliveira superfight have circulated for years in UFC discussions. After Oliveira lost the title to Islam Makhachev at UFC 280, his manager, Diego Lima, mentioned McGregor’s camp had shown interest in the matchup. McGregor remained inactive during that period due to injury and a long layoff. ‘Do Bronx’, meanwhile, continued competing at the top of the 155-pound division.

McGregor is set to headline UFC 329 in a welterweight rematch against Max Holloway, nearly fourteen years after their first fight. Oliveira revealed McGregor initially asked for a three-round format in their potential matchup, choosing conditions suited to his comeback strategy. This aligns with Cormier’s comments on the Brazilian star’s dominance influencing McGregor’s fight considerations.

I believe, at least in my opinion, Charles Oliveira lost the Conor McGregor fight when he beat Max Holloway the way that he did, because I’m not sure Conor McGregor was willing to fight against someone that could potentially take him down, control him the entirety of a 25-minute fight.

Daniel Cormier via his YouTube channel

Cormier’s comments reflect Oliveira’s UFC 326 BMF title win over Holloway. Oliveira secured multiple takedowns and dominated with 20 minutes and 49 seconds of control time with around four submission attempts. The judges scored the bout 50-45 across all cards, confirming a unanimous decision victory.

McGregor criticized the fight and the BMF title being contested at lightweight instead of its original welterweight roots. The Irishman questioned the belt’s legitimacy at 155 pounds. He also called out Oliveira’s wrestling-heavy performance, which many saw as damaging to the BMF legacy.

However, McGregor has extensive experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, having trained in the discipline since the early stages of his MMA career. He has consistently incorporated grappling into his fighting style throughout his career. In 2023, he was awarded a BJJ black belt by his longtime coach, John Kavanagh.

Charles Oliveira is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous finishers in UFC history, holding the record for most submission wins in the promotion with 16. The Brazilian superstar also leads the UFC in total finishes with 20, highlighting his consistent ability to end fights inside the distance.

Across his career, Oliveira evolved from an inconsistent prospect into a dominant lightweight champion with elite grappling and improved striking. His finishing threat and submission expertise are linked to Daniel Cormier’s view that Conor McGregor may have been cautious about a matchup with ‘Do Bronx’.

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Charles Oliveira Claims Conor McGregor Rejected Him to Face Max Holloway Instead

Conor McGregor reflects on his lifestyle outside the octagon

Conor McGregor has faced several controversies in recent years, including the civil case involving Nikita Hand, in which he was found liable in a High Court trial over an alleged 2018 incident in Dublin. He was ordered to pay approximately €250,000 in damages, along with additional legal costs.

Beyond these cases, the Irishman was involved in multiple public altercations at nightlife venues, including bar and nightclub incidents in Dublin and abroad. Some of these episodes have previously led to police involvement and legal proceedings, adding to the ongoing scrutiny of his behavior.

Conor McGregor on Jimmy Fallon
Conor McGregor on Jimmy Fallon (via X)

However, in recent months, McGregor has focused on major personal developments outside competition. He married his longtime partner, Dee Devlin, after more than a decade together. He has also spoken about exploring spirituality and a more reflective lifestyle.

These shifts align with his recent comments about fame and its pressures, in which he has acknowledged its impact on his public and private life. ‘The Notorious One’ has increasingly emphasized family stability and personal growth as central priorities.

Fame has its pitfalls. You better move carefully in this world, for sure, probably even more so now. I’ve taken a lot of lessons in my life, and it’s just about self-discovery. Studying yourself. Learning yourself. Learning triggers. I find myself even now still in a fight with an old version of me or old ways that don’t serve me and new ways and a new version of me, the new me so I still find myself in this balance. Right now.

Conor McGregor via UFC on Paramount

Conor McGregor has also undergone experimental psychedelic treatment in Mexico in recent months. He has linked it to mental reset and recovery after years of high-intensity competition.

This development aligns with his broader shift toward spirituality, a greater focus on family, and a reassessment of fame.

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