Coach John Kavanagh says Conor McGregor’s fighting future is most likely at welterweight, and he’s hoping to see the former two-division champion back in the cage again before the year is out.
Speaking about McGregor’s weight class, Kavanagh made it clear a return to lightweight would not be easy to arrange. “You’re going to have to do something really big to get Conor at 155 again,” he said.
Kavanagh explained that 170 pounds now suits McGregor. “170 is a comfortable cut for him now and he’s got the frame for it. He certainly has the strength for it. He’s always had an unusual — he’s got that orangutan reach, so he’s comfortable at that. He can tie his shoelaces without bending down, you know?”
McGregor did not register a featherweight title defense due to difficulty cutting to featherweight, then moved to lightweight and captured a second championship title. He has also made appearances at welterweight and currently has one remaining fight on his UFC contract.
Looking ahead to the calendar, Kavanagh added that he wants McGregor to be more active following UFC 329, where Max Holloway is scheduled to face McGregor in the main event in Las Vegas this weekend. “How does the calendar look? I stay in my lane, I’m just the coach. But of course, I would like to see him busier than waiting until next April,” he said. “We’re going to be done and dusted early July. So all going well, a little break and then back into it. I would love to have something before the end of the year, but I’ll let the guys in the suits argue about that.”
