Conor McGregor hints he’s ‘SIGNED’ shock contract for Justin Gaethje grudge match in huge UFC snub to Michael Chandler
CONOR MCGREGOR claims to have “SIGNED” a contract to fight Justin Gaethje in an apparent snub to Michael Chandler.
The Irishman was due to be welcomed back to the octagon by former three-time Bellator lightweight champion Chandler – his rival Ultimate Fighter 31 coach – later this year.
But he seemingly pivoted to a showdown with fan favourite Gaethje after seeing him brutally KO long-time rival Dustin Poirier last weekend.
Newly-crowned BMF Gaethje initially snubbed the prospect of a lightweight war with The Notorious but publicly called on him to “sign the contract” on Tuesday night.
And McGregor, 35, sparked by fierce speculation he will indeed face ‘The Highlight’ by tweeting: “Signed.”
McGregor set his sights on a fire-fight with Gaethje seconds after seeing him head kick Poirier unconscious at UFC 291.
He tweeted: “I’m the real BMF, he can fight for pennies if he wants but I want spirits.
“I call the shots. I’m in it to launch shots. F**k Chandler. You want it call for it.”
The return of the UFC‘s first simultaneous two-weight champion has been delayed as he’s not yet re-entered the USADA drug testing pool – which he must be enrolled in for a minimum of six months.
But the Dubliner seemingly hinted he’s back in the pool earlier this week, by tweeting: “Hello, ysada.”
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Chandler, 36, has remained quiet on the prospect of being overlooked by the UFC brass in favour of Gaethje but is confident their fight will come to fruition.
But McGregor’s manager Audie Attar recently suggested ‘Iron’ is by no means a lock to welcome the sporting icon back to the cage.
The Paradigm Sports chief told MMA Junkie: “He always could look elsewhere.
“Everybody’s always doubting him in different ways and criticizing him, and being critical.
” But ultimately, they’ll see when he steps into that octagon, and ultimately I think they can eat their words then.
“Until then, we’re just going to do our thing, and go about it the right way.
“He’s preparing at the end of the day, and that’s the most important thing.
“Chandler makes sense, but so do others. But, Chandler is who he has his sights set on.
“We did that show knowing that that matchup would be next.”
McGregor hasn’t set foot inside the octagon since breaking his leg in his Sin City trilogy fight with Poirier a little over two years ago.