Conor McGregor Gives Life To Possible Manny Pacquiao Super-Fight

KEY POINTS

Conor McGregor has confirmed that his first fight back will be with the UFC
McGregor alludes to the fact that he is not yet done with boxing just yet
Either Michael Chandler or a trilogy fight with Nate Diaz could be within his sights

UFC star Conor McGregor is primed to make his return to the mixed martial arts (MMA) circuit after nearly spending one year on the sidelines.

However, his boxing career is not over by any means necessary as he told Sky Sports News while in attendance at the Monaco Grand Prix this past weekend.

“Boxing is my first love in combat sports. I had such a great time the last time I was out there. Obviously, my return will be in the Octagon for UFC--that story is far from over, in fact it's just being written, it is just the beginning,” said McGregor.

“But, boxing, for sure I will grace the squared circle again in the future.”

The brash Irishman has been recovering nicely since breaking his tibia and fibula in his trilogy matchup with Dustin Poirier back in July of 2021.

Before having the conversation with Sky Sports News, it was widely believed that McGregor may be swayed into doing another boxing match--this time with Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao sometime in September.

Manny Pacquiao is considered one of the greatest boxers of all time AFP / John GURZINSKI

Having that match before his UFC return would have been a way to generate interest in his comeback while also serving two purposes: an instant injection of money after a year of missed fights while also shaking off any ring rust he may have acquired.

Taking on the Pacquiao fight could be a great way to also pick something up for his striking arsenal and further develop it.

But it now seems that McGregor is going to take a UFC fight first before anything else.

With regards to his recovery, McGregor revealed that he is getting closer than ever to being competition-ready.

“I have another CT scan in the coming days and then I will be clear to kick. Once I can kick and grapple, I will be back in no time. Boxing training is going well, strength training. I am excited to get back,” McGregor noted.

“The Notorious” one has multiple options waiting for him according to Daniel Cormier: a possible trilogy fight with Nate Diaz to close out their story or a mega-fight of major proportions against one of the promotion’s hottest assets in Michael Chandler.

Chandler has already called out McGregor with a fiery passion following his superb front-kick knockout of Tony Ferguson last May 7.

Whoever McGregor chooses next is of little importance as his return to the fight game has been long-awaited by many fans.