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MMA: UFC 246-McGregor vs Cerrone January 18, 2020 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Conor McGregor holds an Irish flag as he celebrates his first round TKO victory against Donald Cerrone following UFC 246 at T-Mobile Arena. Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena Nevada USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 14303126

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MMA: UFC 246-McGregor vs Cerrone January 18, 2020 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Conor McGregor holds an Irish flag as he celebrates his first round TKO victory against Donald Cerrone following UFC 246 at T-Mobile Arena. Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena Nevada USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 14303126
Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov’s rivalry has long been etched in MMA history, but it seems the fire still burns. In a recent interview with PFL ahead of the Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes clash on January 25, ‘The Eagle’ once again aimed a jab—not at McGregor directly, but at Irish MMA as a whole.
The undefeated former UFC lightweight champion stated, “Brother, Ireland don’t have fighters, brother. Let’s be honest. How many fighters do you know from Ireland? Paul Hughes and Conor [McGregor]. And who else? There is no fighters, brother.”
True to form, McGregor didn’t let it slide. The Irishman, renowned for his flair and showmanship, has seemingly responded with a cheeky video. It began with a montage of McGregor’s greatest Octagon moments—his 13-second KO of Jose Aldo and his masterclass against Eddie Alvarez—set to ‘Shipping Up to Boston’ by Dropkick Murphys. The caption also contained a series of Irish flags, adding more weight to the possibility of the video being a response to Nurmagomedov’s previous statements.
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But then came the punchline. The video transitioned into what McGregor labeled the “Dagestani Era,” showcasing ‘The Eagle’ and Islam Makhachev’s grappling-heavy highlights, ironically set to Marvin Gaye’s smooth tune, ‘Sexual Healing’. The message was clear: McGregor was mocking the grinding, methodical style of his Dagestani rivals. However, not all fans were impressed. For many, McGregor’s focus on past glories feels like a distraction from his recent struggles. Here’s a look at what the netizens had to say!
Conor McGregor gets a harsh reality check as jab at Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dagestani “Era” falls flat
For some fans, Conor McGregor’s run through the UFC was unparalleled and it’s hard to argue with the sentiment. After making his name in the Cage Warriors promotion, ‘The Notorious’ made his way to the Octagon in 2013. In the next 3 years, McGregor would only lose once to Nate Diaz at UFC 196 as he claimed both the featherweight and lightweight titles in that time period!
“Definitely a one of a kind run”
The swagger and confidence that McGregor displayed didn’t just lead to titles and him becoming one of the biggest names in combat sports. According to one fan, his impact changed the game forever. From dominating the UFC’s top 10 highest-earning PPV list to putting Ireland on the map in the MMA world, it’s hard to imagine the modern UFC landscape without McGregor’s influence. What do you think?
“Conor, you’ve taken the UFC to a whole new level. What you’ve achieved is undeniable, and your impact has inspired millions”
But not all were on board the nostalgia train and the frustration was understandable. Since losing his UFC 229 bout to Khabib Nurmagomedov, McGregor has only scored one victory over Donald Cerrone in 2020 and is currently on a two-fight skid with both losses coming against Dustin Poirier.
“mcgregor pls stop living in the past and fight bro”

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Dublin , Ireland – 20 May 2023; UFC fighter Conor McGregor after the undisputed super lightweight championship fight between Katie Taylor and Chantelle Cameron at the 3Arena in Dublin. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Other fans also claimed that the Irishman’s return to competition might be one of the biggest “comeback” stories in history. A bold claim, but it looks like the fandom might have to wait a little longer to see the Irishman back inside the Octagon. According to reports, ‘The Notorious’ is set to take on Logan Paul in a boxing match in India and the UFC may be involved in the negotiations for the fight!
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“The greatest comeback in sports history coming”
But what if the same McGregor that was battering foes around the cage in the highlight reel returned? That’s the question one fan pondered in the comments. With his last fight having taken place in 2021, and a possible boxing match on the horizon, will Conor McGregor be able to “lock in” and do what he does best when he does step into the Octagon? Only time will tell.
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“Imagine if he actually locked back in..”
To wrap things up, Conor McGregor’s ability to command the spotlight remains unmatched, but as Khabib Nurmagomedov’s jab implies, his status as Ireland’s greatest fighter faces increasing scrutiny. Is his legacy enough to overshadow his current inactivity, or has his nostalgia become a stumbling block? Fans are torn—celebrating the highs of McGregor’s career while calling for him to prove he’s still relevant. Can the “McGregor Era” truly rise again, or is it time for him to let go of the past? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
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Debate