Conor McGregor accused by UFC rival of 'chickening out' and 'running away' from fight

Conor McGregor has been sensationally accused of rejecting a fight against a UFC rival in a huge revelation.

McGregor, who hasn't fought since July 2021, is eager to make his UFC comeback, with a fight on the White House card mooted.

But a spot on June's White House event appears unlikely following Ariel Helwani's update as the veteran combat sports reporter revealed Jon Jones is in talks with the UFC over a huge headliner.

The Irishman, however, is in talks with the UFC over a summer bout.

Several opponents have been linked with welcoming McGregor back to the famed Octagon, including a 'no name', having revealed an offer in a now-deleted social media post.

McGregor took to social media to tease a fight against a 'no name'.

"It's a no name up next for me possibly, folks," he wrote on X, adding: "I ACCEPT. Send the contract, lads."

Conor McGregor hasn't fought since his defeat to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264. Image: Getty

Well, the 'no name' opponent appears to be Carlos Prates, who claims he was offered to McGregor.

But, according to the Brazilian knockout artist, McGregor 'chickened out' and 'ran away' from a proposed match-up.

Prates told Laerte Viana MMA: "Nothing came to me from the UFC, but I believe they did offer my name to Conor McGregor, though.

"Yes (my name was offered to McGregor) and then he chickened out and ran away... Because I’m a tough matchup, man. The guy’s been inactive for five years, and it’s not even in his weight class."

He added: "Even though his last fights were at 170lbs, he’s not a natural 170-pounder. I’m coming in with all the hype, knocking everyone out. So I believe that if I were in his position, I wouldn’t accept that fight either, no way.

"I think he probably wants to fight, I don’t know, maybe a former champion or someone like that."

Carlos Prates celebrates his win over Leon Edwards at UFC 322. Image: Getty

Prates has made a huge splash since arriving in the UFC, emerging as a top contender in the welterweight rankings.

He won four fights in a row after coming through Dana White's Contender Series, including big wins over Li Jingliang and Neil Magny.

'The Nightmare' suffered a points defeat to Ian Garry before bouncing back by securing back-to-back knockouts over Geoff Neal and ex-UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards.

Even though he is set to return to action in May against former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth, it appears Prates' name was briefly linked with McGregor before the UFC decided to move on.