MMA News wrap-up: Conor McGregor says no to comeback? Plus Artem Vakhitov rejects UFC, Cain Velasquez sentenced, more
Conor McGregor sure sounds like a man that’s done with fighting.
At a BKFC press conference in Florida this past Thursday, McGregor all but admitted that he’s prioritizing his political career over a return to combat sports competition, claiming he passed on an offer to fight on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco. Specifically, the former two-division UFC champion said, “I’m happy with what I’ve done. There’s something else for me that’s in my gut right now and that’s kind of where I’m going, so we’ll see. Greatness don’t rush, also. Greatness does not rush.”
That “something else” is a run at Irish presidency, if McGregor’s boasts are to be taken seriously. The 36-year-old has been a vocal critic of his native country’s government, particularly its immigration policies, and has vowed to become President to address these perceived problems.
McGregor didn’t swear off fighting again entirely—he has yet to compete since breaking his leg in a fight against Dustin Poirier in July 2021—and he expects fans will still tune in should he return to action.
“My comeback will be slated as the greatest comeback or the biggest, most-anticipated comeback of all time, and right now Ireland is in my thoughts and that’s where I’m at,” McGregor said. “It will happen, I’m sure and it’s always great to be here and there you go.”
If your reactions are anything to go by, the welcome for McGregor might not be as warm as he assumes it will be.
Cain Velasquez sentenced to 5 years in prison after pleading no-contest in attempted murder case
Cain Velasquez’s legal saga is over for now and he’s now set for jail time after a no-contest plea in his trial for attempted murder, among other charges. It’s well-documented that Velasquez’s target was a man accused of molesting Velasquez’s son, so it’s fair to say many MMA fans and his fellow fighters have been sympathetic to his plight.
You had your reactions as well and you can check out some of the best comments below.
Artem Vakhitov, last man to beat Alex Pereira in kickboxing, passes on UFC offer and now faces Rico Verhoeven in GLORY
Artem Vakhitov, a decorated kickboxer who has a history with Alex Pereira, shockingly said no to a lucrative Contender Series contract (some sarcasm, perhaps). This sort of thing doesn’t happen often and Vakhitov’s decision caused a stir in the MMA community.
Ex-Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader parts ways with PFL
Ryan Bader is the latest former Bellator star to part ways with PFL and fans are frustrated to see another recognizable name leave the league for free agency.
UFC Mexico Results: Moreno vs. Erceg
UFC Mexico was a fine card and you all had thoughts about the main event, which saw Brandon Moreno win a workmanlike decision over Steve Erceg.
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In other combat sports news...
- Brandon Moreno beat Steve Erceg in the UFC Mexico main event to string together consecutive wins and keep his hopes of another title fight alive.
- The other big story Saturday night? Referee Mike Beltran letting Drew Dober take a ridiculous amount of damage at the hands of Manuel Torres.
- Kyoji Horiguchi is back in the UFC!
- Mariusz Pudzianowski vs. Eddie Hall at KSW 105 is freaking happening!
- Ryan Bader has parted ways with PFL.
- Jeff Molina received a three-year suspension for his involvement in a betting scandal (though it’s retroactive, so he can fight again as early as this upcoming November).
- Pro debutant Jaron Lathrop channeled Joaquin Buckley to give us the best knockout of 2025 so far.
- Prayers for the people of Myanmar following a devastating earthquake.
- Din Thomas blasted Leon Edwards’ listless UFC London performance, calling him “not a true fighter at heart.”
- Happy trails to UFC veteran Antonina Shevchenko.