UFC Legend Doesn’t Want Conor McGregor to Get Fairytale Ending and Calls for Dangerous Opponent

UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping believes that Conor McGregor should aim for a competitive opponent for the final fight on his UFC contract.

UFC Legend Doesn’t Want Conor McGregor to Get Fairytale Ending and Calls for Dangerous Opponent

Conor McGregor after the injury at UFC 329 (via BBC)

Conor McGregor‘s UFC 329 return ended in major disappointment after a knee injury halted his comeback. The Irishman returned following five years away from the UFC before suffering the setback. McGregor has since remained vocal about returning as soon as possible. However, UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping believes his final appearance should be a genuine test instead of an easy retirement.

McGregor returned against Max Holloway in the UFC 329 main event after a five-year absence from competition. Seconds into the fight, he threw a jumping kick and landed awkwardly, suffering a serious knee injury. The former two-division champion attempted to continue but repeatedly lost his footing before referee Mike Beltran waved off the contest after just 69 seconds, handing Holloway a TKO victory.

Following UFC 329, McGregor repeatedly expressed his desire to return after recovering from the injury. He has one fight remaining on his UFC contract and hopes to end his career on a strong note. However, Bisping believes McGregor’s final bout should reflect his experience rather than deliver an easy victory. He also noted that both the UFC and McGregor have benefited enormously from their partnership.

Think as a businessman. Think as a businessman. McGregor has obviously built up his name. He’s a star. He’s got the star power, the one-liners, the attitude, the charisma, but the UFC also helped promote him. They did all these sick promos and this and that. They’ve been great partners to one another.

Michael Bisping via JAXXON podcast

One matchup McGregor never completed was his scheduled fight against Michael Chandler. The pair coached The Ultimate Fighter 31 and were booked to headline UFC 303 before McGregor withdrew with a toe injury. However, Chandler currently holds a 2-6 UFC record. Bisping believes that matching McGregor against an opponent in that position would not be in the Irishman’s best interests.

If he’s going to have the final fight of his career and go off, are you going to give him a fight like Michael Chandler where he can go and shine, or are you going to give him someone from Kyrgyzstan that no one’s heard of who’s just going to wrestle him to death? I’d do that.

Michael Bisping via JAXXON podcast

Interestingly, after UFC 329, Holloway expressed interest in completing a trilogy with McGregor. The former BMF champion has remained open to the matchup while continuing to show respect for his rival. However, UFC CEO Dana White has dismissed the idea and is not pursuing a third meeting.

McGregor received an 180-day medical suspension, which could be reduced if he receives orthopedic clearance. The setback delayed his comeback plans following his injury. McGregor has since confirmed that he will undergo knee surgery before beginning rehabilitation and working toward his final UFC fight.

Following UFC 329, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier admitted McGregor’s latest injury was difficult to watch. He acknowledged the setback raised fresh concerns about McGregor’s future. However, Cormier believes the former two-division champion still has the determination to attempt another comeback.

Michael Bisping also believes McGregor should stop emphasizing faith and spirituality, which has become a recurring theme in recent months. He feels the Irishman should instead focus on improving and preparing for one final challenge. Whether that happens now depends entirely on Conor McGregor.

RELATED
Conor McGregor Releases First Video Message on 38th Birthday After UFC 329 Disappointment

Dagestani legend dismisses question regarding Conor McGregor’s injury at UFC 329

Conor McGregor has clashed with several rivals throughout his UFC career. However, his fiercest rivalry remains with Khabib Nurmagomedov, fueled by years of personal animosity and heated exchanges. Their feud became one of the most controversial storylines in UFC history.

Their long-awaited clash took place at UFC 229, where Nurmagomedov defended the lightweight title against McGregor. The Dagestani secured a fourth-round submission before a post-fight brawl erupted inside and outside the Octagon. The incident resulted in multiple suspensions and fines.

Conor McGregor return statement
Conor McGregor return statement (via Reuters)

Despite years passing since their fight, Nurmagomedov has maintained the same animosity toward McGregor. The former champions have continued to take aim at each other on social media over the years. When recently asked about McGregor’s UFC 329 injury, Nurmagomedov declined to comment.

I don’t even want to discuss it.

Khabib Nurmagomedov via Smol Talk

Nurmagomedov is not the only longtime rival who has remained critical of McGregor. Dustin Poirier also criticized the Irishman, continuing their long-running feud following UFC 264. Their rivalry remains one of the UFC’s most bitter, highlighting the lasting tensions surrounding Conor McGregor’s career.

Also Read: