Brendan Schaub has a unique idea for Conor McGregor’s comeback.
The former dual-weight champion hasn’t fought since breaking his leg during a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.
McGregor wants to return – but he’s currently without an opponentgetty
McGregor has been booked to fight Michael Chandler since February 2023 – but their clash has been hit by repeat delays and now ‘Iron Mike’ is facing Charles Oliveira at UFC 309 on November 16 instead.
Dana White says ‘Notorious’ will return to the Octagon in 2025.
Chandler remains his preferred opponent, but the UFC boss says who McGregor will fight won’t be decided until the Irishman’s comeback date is locked in.
Schaub, who was a top contender in the UFC’s heavyweight division before retiring in 2015, suggested that McGregor should take on up-and-coming prospect Paddy Pimblett.
‘The Baddy’ has just cracked the lightweight top 15 after choking out Bobby Green in what was billed as his toughest test to date at UFC 304 in July.
Pimblett appears to be one big win away from becoming one of White’s major stars and, according to Schaub, potentially securing a fight with McGregor.
The podcaster and comedian believes BMF champion Max Holloway is the only other option for McGregor.
“Let’s say [McGregor] doesn’t fight until mid-summer, like Q2, early Q3 and Paddy Pimblett gets one more big win,” Schaub said on his podcast.
“Bobby Green was ranked in the top 15. Let’s say he gets one more marquee win. Paddy Pimblett vs. Conor? You wouldn’t watch that?”
“It puts Paddy on. Conor has a significant advantage in striking. On the ground [Pimblett is better]. That’d be a fun fight. Paddy’s a huge name man, huge name, especially internationally he’s a massive star.
Pimbltt appears to have some work to do if he wants to fight the UFC’s bestGetty
Schaub thinks McGregor vs Pimblett could happen in 2025getty
“It makes sense. You do that, or Max Holloway. That’s what I’d do.”
Pimblett is currently waiting for a date for his next UFC fight.
The 29-year-old was hoping to make an appearance at UFC 310 in December, but is now open to the idea of waiting out until next year.
“I have no idea at the minute,” Pimblett said about his potential return date in an interview with CageWarriors.
“I think the only card that I could possibly fight on is December again in Vegas, but nothing’s been said at the minute.
“I know [Renato] Moicano’s fighting this week, can’t see him coming back soon enough for December, so could end up being next year, early next year.”
