Conor McGregor has been called out to a monster fight as he edges closer to making his UFC comeback.
McGregor, 37, hasn't fought since his crushing defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
He was supposed to return against Michael Chandler last year until he was forced to withdraw due to a toe injury sustained in camp.
But the 'Notorious' is hellbent on returning to action as he eyes a spot on the proposed White House card, with Donald Trump's son wanting him on the card.
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Chandler has been touted as a potential foe but Arman Tsarukyan wants a piece of McGregor if he doesn't land a UFC title shot against Ilia Topuria.
Tsarukyan, who destroyed Dan Hooker in last weekend's UFC event in Qatar, claims he'd be a 'nightmare' match-up for the Irishman and believes his rival won't want to fight him.
Speaking to Daniel Cormier on his YouTube channel, he said: "No way (would I fight again before getting a title fight). If it’s not Conor McGregor, I wouldn’t fight.
"He’d never fight me and the UFC would never let me fight Conor McGregor, it’s a nightmare fight for Conor. It’s the same thing if I fought Paddy Pimblett, people are laughing."
Tsarukyan is eager to challenge Topuria for the UFC lightweight championship but would settle for McGregor if he was snubbed of a title shot.
The Armenian star made a triumphant UFC return on Saturday, having not fought since April 2024.
He submitted Hooker in the main-event of UFC Qatar to improve his win streak to five fights.
"Feeling great. Thank Dan because of him, I fought this year," he said afterwards. "Only guy who wanted to fight me. Ilia, if you’re here, come on. There is just one contender No. 1. It’s Arman Tsarukyan. Everybody knows I’ve got to fight for the title. I’m ready. End of January, send me contract, I’ll be there.
“Nobody can stop me in the cage," he added. "I’m the best in the world and I’m going to be a champion. I work so hard, so smart, I dedicate all my life for this sport and it pays off this day."
Tsarukyan has won 10 of his 12 UFC fights, including victories over Charles Oliveira, Beneil Dariush and Joel Alvarez.
He has yet to compete for UFC gold, having been forced to withdraw from his title clash against Islam Makhachev in January due to a back injury.
Topics: Conor McGregor, UFC
Nasir Jabbar