Lisbon, Portugal — UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev delivered a sharp rebuttal to former UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor after the Irishman’s controversial social media post claiming the 185-pound title as his own. Speaking at UFC 328 media day, Chimaev dismissed McGregor’s claim as delusional, questioning his current relevance in the sport and issuing a direct challenge: “Let’s fight.”
The controversy began when McGregor posted on X (formerly Twitter) on May 7, 2026: *“Very excited for the Newark, New Jersey UFC card, with my 185 lb UFC title on the line! TUNE IN ON @UFConParamount.”* The post was swiftly deleted, but not before sparking a firestorm of reactions. Chimaev, who is set to defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in Newark, New Jersey, on May 11, 2026, per UFC’s official event page, wasted no time in addressing the claim.
“His belt?” Chimaev scoffed during media day. *“Bro, he lost his belt ten years ago! So I don’t know. This guy should come off drugs and his Proper Twelve that he is drinking all the time and get to work.”* The reference to McGregor’s whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve, underscored Chimaev’s frustration with what he perceives as McGregor’s reliance on past glory rather than current competition.
His belt? Bro, he lost his belt 10 years ago. This guy should come off drugs and he’s drinking his whiskey a lot – come back to normal work and let’s fight 😂
Chimaev’s response was met with approval from fellow fighters, including Strickland, who also weighed in on McGregor’s claim. Strickland, known for his blunt and often humorous commentary, joked about McGregor’s recent antics while subtly reinforcing Chimaev’s point.
“I mean, he’s probably juiced out, I don’t know,” Strickland said during UFC 328 media day. *“I like Conor, dude; I like Conor, man. Tying weights on his d—, dude, I liked it.”* Strickland’s remark referenced leaked images from 2025 where McGregor was seen attaching weights to his waist, a moment that became a viral meme. Despite the humor, Strickland’s underlying message was clear: McGregor’s current relevance in the sport is questionable.
Strickland also acknowledged McGregor’s enduring influence, even years after his last UFC fight. *“Yeah, dude, Conor is the man,”* Strickland added. *“If I’ve got to do some c— and f— some strippers, I’m willing to do that. You wanna give me Conor money? I’m willing to do it, start a whiskey brand.”* The comment highlighted McGregor’s unique ability to dominate headlines, even in retirement.
Why This Matters: The Middleweight Division’s Future
Chimaev’s response is significant for several reasons. First, it underscores the middleweight division’s competitive landscape, where fighters like Chimaev, Strickland, and Israel Adesanya are actively vying for dominance. McGregor’s claim, though dismissed, reignited debates about the division’s legitimacy and whether past champions retain authority over current titles.
Second, the incident reflects McGregor’s ongoing influence in mixed martial arts, despite his five-year hiatus. His social media presence continues to spark reactions, proving that even retired stars can shape narratives in the sport.
Finally, Chimaev’s challenge—*“Let’s fight”*—adds intrigue to potential future matchups. While McGregor has not officially announced a return to the UFC, his recent comments suggest he may be considering a comeback. If that happens, Chimaev has made it clear he is ready to step into the cage.
Key Takeaways
- Chimaev’s rebuttal: The UFC middleweight champion dismissed McGregor’s claim as outdated, emphasizing that titles are earned through competition, not social media declarations.
- Strickland’s reaction: The challenger used humor to reinforce Chimaev’s point, highlighting McGregor’s continued cultural impact despite his absence from the sport.
- McGregor’s influence: Even in retirement, McGregor’s tweets and public statements continue to dominate MMA headlines, proving his enduring relevance.
- Potential future matchup: Chimaev’s challenge could set the stage for a highly anticipated bout if McGregor returns to the UFC.
What Happens Next?
UFC 328, featuring Chimaev vs. Strickland, is scheduled for May 11, 2026, at the Newark Penn Bowl in Newark, New Jersey. Fans will be watching closely to spot if McGregor’s comments influence the event’s atmosphere or if Chimaev and Strickland’s rivalry takes center stage.
As for McGregor, his next move remains uncertain. While rumors of a UFC 329 comeback have circulated, reports suggest skepticism due to his history of last-minute cancellations. If he does return, Chimaev has made it clear he is ready to meet him in the cage.
For now, the middleweight division’s focus remains on UFC 328, where Chimaev and Strickland will battle for the title. The outcome could reshape the division’s future—and potentially set the stage for an epic showdown with McGregor.
How to Follow the Story
For real-time updates on UFC 328 and potential McGregor developments, follow these official sources:
What do you reckon? Should McGregor return to the UFC, and would you pay to see him face Chimaev? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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