Despite $100M+ Payout, Joe Rogan Says Boxing Floyd Mayweather “Completely Derailed” Conor McGregor’s UFC Career

56-year-old Joe Rogan is once again back with his latest episode of the Joe Rogan Experience. Adding to his diverse guest list, this time around, he invited light heavyweight fighter Khalil Rountree Jr. on his JRE MMA (#161) show. The 34-year-old is one of the lethal strikers in the division and is unbeaten in his last five fights. However, their topic of discussion was none other than 36-year-old  Conor McGregor.

The former dual champion is one of the biggest stars the sport has ever seen. However, it seems he has lost his winning momentum inside the Octagon. What exactly is the reason for his lack of consistency? It looks like Joe Rogan has the answer for us.

Joe Rogan points out the biggest reason for Conor McGregor’s downfall

It was the year 2021 when Conor McGregor was last seen inside the Octagon against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. The Dubliner suffered a horrendous leg injury in the fight and has been waiting to make a comeback since then. ‘Mystic Mac’ is currently on a two-fight loss streak, and many feel he is way past his prime. But why exactly is the 36-year-old struggling with his form? Rogan feels it’s because of his shift to boxing in the year 2017 against Floyd Mayweather. McGregor took a shot break from MMA to fully focus on boxing which Rogan feels has been detrimental for his career.

There have been many MMA fighters who have had a special regard towards boxing, but Rogan warned Rountree Jr. of the problems. The 34-year-old is close to getting a title shot and the JRE host feels he shouldn’t even think about it. He further pointed out to ‘exhibit McGregor’ and said, “Look what it did to Conor. It completely derailed Conor’s career.” 

Rogan did agree to the fact that the former champion made $100m from the fight, which helped his financial condition, but down went the former double champ’s career. Rogan thus added, “Sure it made him a huge star. I’m sure he would do it all over again if he could do it again. But the reality is you are back to the Conor that beat Eddie Alvarez that the Conor I mean. That Conor was a m*****f****r. “

The UFC color commentator was indeed right, as he then lost a very important fight against Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2018( UFC 229) on his return to MMA.  McGregor is now eyeing a return against Michael Chandler in his comeback fight and was scheduled to face him at UFC 303. However, an injury to the Dubliner’s toe delayed his return. But it seems the 36-year-old is on the road towards recovery again and is ready for his next battle.

Conor McGregor claims to be in top-notch form after his injury

It’s been more than a month since the return of Conor McGregor was derailed at UFC 303. However, there have been rumors floating about the fight happening in December. Michael Chandler seems ready for the challenge and shared a new graphic of their fight on his X account. The post read as “December To Remember.” The former dual champion is also up for the challenge and took to social media to share a post to give an update about his recent form.

The Dubliner shared a video of him sparring with a caption: “Make them scared to throw and then bomb them with a home-built explosive, this is Ireland. Me.” He reacted to his own video and commented, “I’m even smoother now.” McGregor is a master of playing mind games as the clip he posted is not a recent one. He uploaded the clip during his UFC 303 preparation, where he dropped his opponent with his iconic left hook. While the clip may be an old one, the 36-year-old is indeed up for the challenge and is looking to make a statement.

When do you think the pair will be fighting this year? Let us know in the comments below.