Conor McGregor responds to rival offering to be back-up fighter at UFC 303
McGregor will make his UFC comeback against Michael Chandler
Conor McGregor has welcomed Charles Oliveira’s offer to be the back-up fighter for the Irishman’s return to the cage.
McGregor will fight for the first time in three years when he takes on Michael Chandler at UFC 303 on June 29. The Irishman has not fought since he broke his leg in the first round of his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier.
His fight with Chandler has been over a year in the making but the rivals will finally lock horns this summer. But should either man be forced to pull out, former lightweight champion Oliveira has offered to step in.
“I offered myself to be the alternate for that fight, and obviously, I’m down for that,” he said. “I’d make some money if I don’t fight, and if I do fight, then awesome. The only condition is if I were to fight McGregor then I’d have to re-negotiate that [contract] for it.”
McGregor has now taken to social media to respond, writing: “I do you both in the same night, no sweat. I do you both inside of a round. Combined. I got the magic paws ask Rio and São Paulo about me and my magic. The Irish Wand.”
Oliveira has long coveted a fight with McGregor and has not given up hope of meeting the Dubliner in the cage. “I think that, in reality, it’s a fight that will make money for both. That’s the reality,” Oliveira told Full Violence. “It’s a fight that’s going to make more money. Of course, if Conor wins, he could take a step towards the belt. He’s a guy who’s a huge star, but I think it’s a fight for money… I think Conor [wins].
“Man, everyone knows. In fact, I’ve asked for this fight against Conor a thousand times, but it’s a fight that I don’t think he wants and everyone knows it,” Oliveira said. “I’ve said it a thousand times. It’s a fight that will bring me a lot of money, so I’d like it.”
Oliveira has lost two of his last three fights, including a split-decision defeat by Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 300 last month. He previously reigned as the 155lb champion until he was beaten by Islam Makhachev.