Conor McGregor has brushed aside calls for a future title fight with UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, saying he is focused solely on his UFC 329 rematch with Max Holloway. Gaethje recently expressed interest in facing the Irishman after capturing the undisputed lightweight title.

Gaethje, who stopped Ilia Topuria to win the championship at the UFC event at the White House, said he plans to watch Saturday’s event closely and welcomed the prospect of fighting McGregor. The former two-division UFC champion, however, suggested he has little interest in discussing that matchup before making his long-awaited return to the Octagon.

“Join the queue,” said McGregor at UFC 329 media day to reporters including The Mac Life. “There’s a few. Look, he has the lightweight belt, fair play to him. Holloway put him face down, ass up, though. Badly. Badly face down.”

McGregor also questioned whether he intends to compete at lightweight again, indicating his ambitions lie elsewhere. “So I’m not even thinking of it at this time,” said McGregor. “Would I go down to lightweight again? Also that’s another thing I’m not so sure. I fancy the triple crown. Less with the disrespect, you f*cking bum.”

Any discussion of a meeting with Gaethje is dependent on McGregor first overcoming Holloway in his first fight since 2021. The former champion is returning after a five-year absence and a recovery from the broken leg he suffered in his last appearance, with victory likely to reignite speculation about his next opponent.

McGregor said he is motivated by those questioning whether he can return to the top of the sport. “Nothing better than proving people wrong,” said McGregor. “People are entitled to their opinion. Some are valid. There’s some questions. Time out. Injury. Lifestyle. I know. There you go. Let’s go. We’re going to go in Saturday night and shut them all up again.”