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The Notorious Return: Conor McGregor's Pursuit of the 'Triple Crown' and a Superfight with Islam Makhachev

By [Your Name/Agency] - MMA Analyst

Introduction: The Return of an Era

In the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), few names carry the seismic weight of Conor McGregor. The Irish superstar, known as "The Notorious," has been sidelined since July 2021 following a devastating leg injury sustained in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirier. However, the silence has been broken, and the hype machine is roaring back to life.

Recent weeks have seen a flurry of activity surrounding the former UFC Featherweight and Lightweight champion. From viral training footage to bold callouts, McGregor is making it clear: he isn't just returning to defend a title; he is returning to conquer history.

According to exclusive reports from MMA Junkie and MMA Fighting, McGregor has set his sights on a monumental challenge that would cement his legacy as the greatest combat sports athlete of all time: a shot at the UFC "Triple Crown" against current Lightweight Kingpin, Islam Makhachev.

This article dives deep into the verified reports, analyzes the viral training footage, and breaks down what a superfight between McGregor and Makhachev would mean for the UFC and the sport at large.

The Viral Comeback: "The Mac Life" Returns

Before the callouts could gain traction, the visual evidence arrived. After months of relative quiet regarding his physical recovery, Conor McGregor posted a series of training videos to his social media channels that sent shockwaves through the fanbase.

The Footage and Reaction

The videos showcased McGregor looking sharp, mobile, and, most importantly, seemingly recovered from the gruesome injury. The footage featured the Irishman engaging in various drills, including pad work and sparring, displaying the speed and power that made him a two-division champion.

The reaction to this footage was immediate and widespread. The Irish Star reported on the viral nature of the clips, noting that the MMA community, including pundits and fighters alike, reacted with a mixture of excitement and skepticism.

Among those weighing in was former UFC contender Chael Sonnen. A vocal critic turned analyst, Sonnen acknowledged the intensity of McGregor’s return to the gym. While Sonnen has historically been critical of McGregor's activity levels, the visual evidence of a mobile McGregor forced a reconsideration of the star's readiness.

This viral moment served as the catalyst for the subsequent news cycle. It proved to the UFC brass and the fans that McGregor was physically capable of returning to the Octagon, setting the stage for the high-stakes negotiations to follow.

The Target: Islam Makhachev and the 'Triple Crown'

With his physical condition confirmed, McGregor wasted no time in choosing a target. He didn't look toward the lower-ranked contenders or a warm-up fight. He looked straight to the top.

What is the UFC 'Triple Crown'?

In the context of the UFC, the "Triple Crown" is a term used to describe a rare achievement: holding championships in three different weight classes. Currently, no UFC fighter has officially achieved this status.

Conor McGregor is already the first fighter in UFC history to hold two titles simultaneously (Featherweight and Lightweight). To achieve the Triple Crown, he would need to capture a third division: the Welterweight Championship (170 lbs).

The Makhachev Challenge

According to a verified report by MMA Junkie on December 5, 2025, Conor McGregor is eyeing a bout with Islam Makhachev with the Welterweight title on the line.

Currently, Makhachev is the undisputed Lightweight champion. However, rumors have circulated regarding a potential move up to Welterweight to challenge for that belt, potentially against current champion Leon Edwards or another top contender. If Makhachev secures the 170-pound belt, he would effectively become the gatekeeper to McGregor's historic "Triple Crown" ambition.

In a statement reported by MMA Fighting, McGregor explicitly stated: “I for sure want a crack at that 170-pound belt.”

This is a significant departure from the lightweight division, where McGregor has spent the majority of his career. Moving to Welterweight presents new challenges, but for McGregor, the allure of making history is the ultimate motivator.

Analyzing the Matchup: McGregor vs. Makhachev

If this fight comes to fruition, it would be arguably the biggest combat sports event in history, eclipsing even McGregor’s previous bouts with Floyd Mayweather and Khabib Nurmagomedov. Here is a breakdown of the stylistic and narrative elements of this potential superfight.

The Narrative: The Eagle vs. The Notorious

The storyline writes itself. Islam Makhachev is the protege of Khabib Nurmagomedov, the man who handed McGregor his most decisive loss at UFC 229. The bad blood between McGregor and Khabib has never faded, and Makhachev has continued that rivalry, often dismissing McGregor's accomplishments.

For Makhachev, defeating McGregor would validate his reign as the greatest Lightweight of all time. For McGregor, defeating Makhachev would be the ultimate act of vengeance—not against Khabib, but against the lineage he represents.

Stylistic Breakdown

• Islam Makhachev: A world-class Samkas wrestler with suffocating top control and a rapidly improving striking game. He is methodical, patient, and relentless in his pursuit of the takedown. His ability to chain wrestle is arguably the best in the sport.
• Conor McGregor: Known for his sniper-like left hand, precision timing, and elite footwork. McGregor’s path to victory relies on keeping the fight standing, utilizing distance management, and landing the knockout blow. His cardio and takedown defense will be the deciding factors.

The Weight Factor

The move to 170 pounds is crucial. At Lightweight (155 lbs), McGregor has historically struggled against elite wrestlers with high stamina, as the weight cut drained his energy. At Welterweight, McGregor would theoretically carry more power and have better stamina, making him a more dangerous opponent for a grappler like Makhachev.

However, Makhachev is a large Lightweight and would likely be a very big Welterweight, utilizing his size to impose his grappling will.

The Roadblocks: UFC Politics and Inactivity

While the desire for this fight is evident from McGregor's side, significant hurdles remain.

The UFC's Stance

The UFC has historically been cautious about McGregor "skipping the line." Giving McGregor an immediate title shot at a third division without fighting in that weight class first would be a controversial decision. The Welterweight division is deep with contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Garry, and Leon Edwards, all of whom may feel deserving of a title shot before a returning McGregor.

Inactivity Concerns

McGregor has not won a UFC fight since January 2020. He has fought only once since then (the loss to Poirier in 2021). The UFC matchmakers, particularly Dana White, will need to evaluate whether McGregor deserves a title shot immediately upon return, or if he needs a "tune-up" fight first.

However, the financial incentive cannot be ignored. McGregor vs. Makhachev is a billion-dollar fight. If the stars align—Makhachev securing the welterweight belt and McGregor returning to form—the UFC may be willing to bend the rules to make history.

Conclusion: The Combat Sports World Holds Its Breath

Conor McGregor’s return is no longer a "what if"—it is a matter of "when." The viral training videos have silenced doubts about his physical recovery, and his verbal targeting of Islam Makhachev has provided a clear direction for his comeback.

The pursuit of the UFC 'Triple Crown' adds a layer of historical significance that transcends a standard title defense. It offers McGregor a chance to achieve something no other fighter has done, while simultaneously seeking redemption against the team that dethroned him.

As we await official confirmation from the UFC, one thing is certain: the eyes of the world are on Conor McGregor. Whether he steps into the Octagon against Makhachev or another top contender, the return of "The Notorious" promises to shake the foundations of the MMA world once again.

Sources: Verified reporting from MMA Junkie, Irish Star, and MMA Fighting.