Daniel Cormier believes Justin Gaethje may know something no one else does.
Speaking with MMA Fighting earlier this week, Gaethje spoke about Conor McGregor’s absence from the USADA testing pool in all of 2022. “The Highlight” noted how the omission sounds like “he’s off taking steroids.”
McGregor’s been out of action since breaking his leg in his trilogy bout against Dustin Poirer in July 2021. In recent months, however, the Irishman has appeared to be bulking up and is getting set to appear in his first movie alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in a Road House reboot. Additionally, McGregor took to Twitter this week sharing that he intends on returning at 170-pounds.
Cormier feels there may be more smoke to this new fire than meets the eye.
“Justin went so far as to imply that Conor McGregor — or straight up say, honestly — that Conor McGregor’s off doing some steroids. That is a pretty bold statement,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “My question is how does Gaethje know that? Is Gaethje checking the USADA website to know and say this with this much confidence? Or is he basing this on Conor McGregor’s appearance?
“The reality is this; you don’t know. Because Conor McGregor’s not a tall guy so if he starts to gain weight, he’s gonna look a little bigger, he’s gonna look a little more full, and he looks a little more puffy.”
Gaethje is somewhat of the odd man out in the lightweight division’s crop of elite right now. Having undergone nose surgery since his May defeat to Charles Oliveira, the rest of the top contenders are now all booked to compete at UFC 280 and UFC 281 in the coming weeks. Therefore, Gaethje anticipates a return in early 2023.
Depending on how things shake out with every other moving part, the timing could align perfectly for a Gaethje vs. McGregor matchup. It’s just a matter of whether or not the UFC would be willing to put such a fight together, says “DC.”
“For Gaethje to say that so confidently tells me that either him or his team is kind of looking into it,” Cormier said. “I’m pretty sure Gaethje has an idea of when McGregor was tested last.
“Now, here’s the thing … Conor McGregor is coming off what was one of the nastiest leg injuries in the UFC. Justin Gaethje is insane at throwing leg kicks. Is this the fight for Conor McGregor right back being that Justin will beat the legs down? Especially knowing that Conor is a southpaw and Justin’s a conventional fighter. Justin can throw those kicks from both sides, and he can really beat up that injured leg. So, is that the fight? The world would love it, but these accusations are very serious. So for Justin Gaethje to say them, there must be some background info into it.”
TOP STORIES
Possibilities. Jake Paul expects bigger fights after Anderson Silva but still down to face KSI if he wants to ‘volunteer for his own death’
Reflection. Francis Ngannou may be UFC champ worth millions, but he says ‘you never feel’ like you’ve made it
Rivalry. Alistair Overeem and Badr Hari discuss how they have set aside old enmities: ‘I’ve had my fall from grace and it humbles you’
Weird. Uriah Hall to make pro boxing debut against ex-NFL star Le’Veon Bell at Paul vs. Silva PPV
VIDEO STEW
Between the Links.
Oliveira’s greatest hits.
Free fight.
RIZIN Confessions 105.
Izzy meets GSP.
McGregor jiu-jitsu.
LISTEN UP
Heck of a Morning. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck relives the chaotic Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor fight four years later.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Back to MMA?
Just wanted to say, now that the story is officially out, that my time with the WWE is officially done. Had a lot of fun and met some great people. Really and truly blown away by the acceptance from the WWE fans! You folks make it work every week and your enthusiasm was amazing!
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) October 6, 2022
Setting the record straight.
Too many tweets about my purse. There’s more to it than meet your eyes. If I’m betting 1 million dollars with someone is because I have more than that to bet. I could bet you also that UFC champs would like to be paid as much as I do.
— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) October 6, 2022
Damon has spoken.
“Bo Nickal beats Israel Adesanya right now.” – @DamonMartin
▶️Watch full episode of #BetweenTheLinks: https://t.co/mYWSlI90Ll pic.twitter.com/tTWcDsO2fz
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) October 6, 2022
Sure is.
Jurassic Park, but it’s weird. pic.twitter.com/Ba0mAZbkeI
— Vidgeo (@thevidgeo) October 5, 2022
October.
It’s spooky season, witches ♀️ pic.twitter.com/uYX3tvMVEp
— Diana Belbiță (@DianaBelbita) October 6, 2022
Feels like ages ago.
Alistair Overeem vs. Badr Hari 1 – 12.31.2008#GLORYCollision4 pic.twitter.com/CaPH6dxzs9
— caposa (@Grabaka_Hitman) October 6, 2022
Violence.
Vince Bembe KO1 Ashley Calvert (0:40) #EFC98 pic.twitter.com/d5zSD68kOI
— Neo Vale Tudo (@NeoValeTudo) October 6, 2022
Return.
Welcome back, @alistairovereem. #COLLISION4 | OCT. 8 | https://t.co/MuEo6F8v8i pic.twitter.com/7QCrgkWDlx
— GLORY Kickboxing (@GLORY_WS) October 6, 2022
Oh.
I can’t wait to see all of the texts and emails between Eddie Hearn and all the parties involved in this fiasco. #Discovery #EubankJrBenn
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) October 6, 2022
Welcome back!
What a time.
Krazy Bee.
Unlocking Victory.
Still got it.
Got ‘em.
Nah, I’m just gonna wait until you die https://t.co/Q2li0r9W3n
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) October 6, 2022
Bummer.
Daniel Rodriguez has pulled out of his fight against Neil Magny at #UFCVegas62 next week. He’s had a cut on his elbow since the Li Jingliang fight that got infected and has extended through his arm ( via Rodriguez’s Instagram) pic.twitter.com/03L5z2TzJX
— Shakiel Mahjouri (@Shak_Fu) October 6, 2022
Oh, boy.
I don’t blame you for doubting yourself, but when are you going to accept the fight offer @handzofsteelmma ?
— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) October 5, 2022
Had my team call Sean this morning. Be careful what you wish for. See you soon @Rakhmonov1994
— Geoff (handzofsteel) Neal (@handzofsteelmma) October 6, 2022
Time flies.
3 years ago.. #ufc243
Was the first time fighting in Australia in over 5 years pic.twitter.com/tokWPxo7uy
— Megan Anderson (@MeganAnderson) October 6, 2022
Too deep.
Amazing pre-fight quote from #CFFC113‘s Earl Small on his tape study:
“I want to know what this dude eats for breakfast. I want to know what f-cking cartoons he watches. I want to know what his breath smells like. I want to know what shampoo he wears. I’m getting deep, bro.”
— John Morgan (@JohnMorgan_MMA) October 6, 2022
Happens.
The referee caught a kick
(via mmasupercup/IG) pic.twitter.com/Xm1XQwvut1
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 6, 2022
Such a dangerous nerd.
The wall tastes amazing, see you guys shortly @bethesda_anz @bethesda #worldsofbethesda #doughnut #nukacola #fallout pic.twitter.com/hwW94OHsF3
— Robert Whittaker (@robwhittakermma) October 6, 2022
Neck strength?
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Frankie Edgar (23-10-1) vs. Chris Gutierrez (18-4-2); UFC 281, Nov. 12
Daniel Weichel (42-13) vs. Akhmed Magomedov (9-0); Bellator 288, Nov. 18
Tyrell Fortune (12-2, 1 NC) vs. Daniel James (13-6-1); Bellator 288, Nov. 18
Roman Faraldo (8-0) vs. Levan Chokheli (10-2, 1 NC); Bellator 288, Nov. 18
Said Nurmagomedov (16-2) vs. Saidyokub Kakhramonov (10-2); UFC Vegas 66, Dec. 17
FINAL THOUGHTS
I’d be pretty stunned if Gaethje welcomes McGregor back. With the chatter of him coming back at 170, I think we’re actually closer to McGregor vs. Jorge Masvidal than anything else at the moment.
Happy Friday, peeps. Have a great weekend, and go outside, but stay safe! Thanks for reading!
EXIT POLL
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