While everyone wants to watch Conor McGregor return, his recent legal issues have put a huge hurdle in his way, putting the whole MMA world on notice. But Brendan Schaub pointed out something that hinted at McGregor never coming back. If you’re not aware, don’t worry, because EssentiallySports has come up with yet another episode of MMA News Roundup. 

Today, we’ll listen to the UFC veteran weigh in on the Irishman’s return. Then, we’ll take a look at Islam Makhachev celebrate his teammate’s win at PFL 10. Finally, we’ll end the journey with Jon Jones receiving a challenge. So without further ado, let’s get right into it!

UFC veteran worries about Conor McGregor’s return

Taking to his YouTube channel, Schaub pointed out that Conor McGregor didn’t really look good during the trial. The civil case filed against him indeed extracted all of his energy and vigor. The former UFC contender said, “Did you see Conor at all during the trial? It took its toll on him. Like he was like, physically, you can see, [it was] like taking a toll on him. So he’s dealing with that. Look at his face there. You think that guy looks like he’s ready to get in the Octagon? Look at him.”

That was when Schaub fronted a question to his co-host. He asked, “Let me ask you this, because you and I love Conor. Do you want to see him back?”. Given the current situation and the kind of trouble ‘The Notorious’ has found himself in, Schaub expressed that he was doubtful about the former UFC double champion’s epic comeback. His co-host simply stated, “I don’t!”

Where McGregor has been experiencing the lowest of the lows lately, his arch rivals, i.e., team Khabib experienced the highest of the highs. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev showered praises on his teammate Gadzhi Rabadanov for his recent victory.

Islam Makhachev celebrates his teammate winning the PFL lightweight championship

On the November 29th, Gadzhi Rabadanov faced Brent Primus at the PFL World Championship 2024. Before the bout, Makhachev shared his wishes and believed that Rabadanov would win. He quoted, “We’ve seen how hard he worked all year going through the entire season. Now only the final remains. May he bring that $1 million and come back to the gym.”

Proving Makhachev right, the PFL fighter won the tournament final with a KO in the third round. Needless to say, the UFC lightweight champion was overjoyed. He shared a handful of pictures of himself with Rabadanov on social media. In the caption, he wrote, “Congratulations brother @gadzhi_rabadanov.. I think in this Grand Prix you’re just beginning to reach your potential. And now a well-deserved rest.”

Now, let’s take a look at the mixed martial arts heavyweight landscape. Simple question. Is there a possibility of Jon Jones fighting Francis Ngannou? Let’s find out.

Jon Jones gets alerted for a possible UFC-PFL collaboration

PFL CEO Peter Murray recently had a brief conversation with talkSPORT. The reporter asked Murray, “Can we live in a world where a contracted fighter from someone else and a contracted fighter from the PFL can work together and make a super fight?” Let me tell you, the PFL was ready to make Jones vs. Ngannou fight happen, but UFC head honcho Dana White completely shot the idea down. 

Murray replied, “Yeah, I mean, we’re supportive of it. I mean, the fighters want the fight. Jon Jones wants the fight, Francis wants the fight, we want the fight. Our partners here at Saudi want the fight. And so it really comes down to – does the UFC want to step up to it or not? Period.” Although a pipe dream, the bout between Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou could gather massive numbers, and possibly even be the greatest fight in MMA history.

What are your thoughts on Conor McGregor’s return? Did you catch the bout between Gadzhu Rabadanov and Brent Primus? Do you think the UFC head honcho will collaborate with the PFL for a Jones vs. Ngannou super fight? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.