Kamaru Usman Says ‘Jealous’ Conor McGregor Can Grant Max Holloway’s Wish After BMF Exploits

Kamaru Usman has claimed that Conor McGregor was jealous of the BMF title bout between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz. The two UFC superstars met in the octagon at UFC 244 in 2019 to fight for the (ceremonial) ‘Baddest Mother F***er’ belt created especially for their matchup.

This was because neither man was in title contention at that point, and given their popularity among fans, the UFC came up with what many consider a marketing gimmick to give their clash an added hype and significance.

The BMF title changed hands yet again this Saturday as Max Holloway won the title off of Justin Gaethje in their electrifying UFC 300 clash. Former UFC champion Kamaru Usman, while discussing the fight on his ‘Pound 4 Pound Podcast’ with Henry Cejudo, had some interesting thoughts on the bout and revealed a surprising detail concerning Conor McGregor.

‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ suggested that the reigning BMF champ should look to fight Conor McGregor next. He revealed that the Irishman wanted to fight for the BMF title the first time around and was ‘jealous’ of Masvidal for winning the title at UFC 244 against his old rival, Nate Diaz.

“I think there’s fun fights at 155 pounds [for Max Holloway]. The Conor McGregor fight, that definitely is doable. Because… Conor was very very jealous when the BMF title was announced and was given out to Jorge Masvidal because, remember, there was something that was said there about them potentially fighting and making that fight, but that never came to fruition,” he said.

The former welterweight champion further added that after Holloway’s heroics at UFC 300, a rematch with McGregor would prove lucrative. “But now a rematch versus a guy like Max Holloway that’s around the same weight as you. Both featherweights moving up to lightweight. I think it makes sense,” he added. Nevertheless, it is unlikely a rematch between the two former featherweights could go the way it did during their previous fight.

McGregor-Holloway 2 unlikely to retread the footsteps of their first fight

The first time Conor McGregor and Max Holloway met in the UFC octagon was over a decade ago. Interestingly, they were both unknown prospects making their way up the UFC ranks. In fact, their bout took place on the preliminary card of a Fight Night event in 2013.

The former featherweight champion, just 21 at that time, took on the Irishman, who was making his second UFC appearance in a featherweight bout. McGregor’s striking prowess was on full display in the bout as he managed to out-strike ‘Blessed’. Moreover, he even showed a stellar ground game as he took down the Hawaiian four times and mauled him there.

The Irishman walked away victorious from the bout, winning a clear unanimous decision. If they were to fight today (or sometime soon), the tables are likely to be turned. McGregor has fought just four times in the last six years and has lost all but one of those bouts. Holloway, on the other hand, is at the peak of his powers, as he managed to dominate and even bang in the middle of the octagon with perhaps the hardest hitter at 155 in Justin Gaethje. However, this is MMA and nothing can be said definitively until the two men get into the octagon. However, it is safe to say, Holloway would be the favorite going into any future fights with McGregor. Nevertheless, what do you make of Usman’s thoughts on a potential fight for the BMF title?