The fallout from UFC 326 has rekindled one of the top rivalries in combat sports, with Conor McGregor already paving the way for a third fight against Nate Diaz. Despite being left off the "UFC Freedom 250" White House card, "The Notorious" remained the center of conversation this weekend, specifically targeting the BMF belt held by Charles Oliveira.
McGregor was vocal in his criticism of Oliveira's wrestling-heavy victory over Max Holloway. He believes the BMF title should return to its roots in the welterweight division.
"The BMF title was founded by Nate Diaz at 170 pounds. The creator of the belt," McGregor said during a recent appearance on Smash Cast. "So, there's a fight for the belt at 170 pounds, and I'm ready for it. I'll go and take it, and I'll bring it back, and Nate and I can complete the trilogy for the belt." McGregor argued that losing weight to 155 pounds for a title that celebrates toughness was unnecessary.
Charles Oliveira, who earned a 50–45 clean sweep on the scorecards against Holloway to become the fourth BMF champion, was sharply criticized by both McGregor and Diaz. During the post-fight press conference at UFC 326, he dismissed McGregor's social media posts calling the main event "shockingly bad".
Conor McGregor Record: 22-6 (19 knockouts, 1 submission)
Oliveira made it clear that although his primary goal is to reclaim the undisputed Lightweight Championship, he is willing to accept a "money fight" against the Irishman at any weight.
“You want to put him at 170, you want to put him there, I don't care, you want to put him at middleweight, we do it, it doesn't matter,” Oliveira said. "I'll tell you what – if you want it, make it a Grand Prix. Two fights, same day, and let's see what happens." Oliveira's dismissive tone underlined his current position of power in the division, although he acknowledged that a fight with McGregor would be motivated solely by financial gain.
While McGregor's ambitious plans for the BMF title and the Diaz Trilogy have his fans excited, the reality of his return remains complicated. UFC CEO Dana White said over the weekend that a deal is "not even close" to McGregor's return despite the fighter's claims. However, McGregor revealed on Smash Cast that his manager, Audie Attar, was in Las Vegas on Monday for a one-on-one meeting with UFC officials.
"I'm extremely good at tackling, I'm an honest guy," McGregor said. "I hope a respectable offer comes."
