Conor McGregor will be watching UFC 249 on Saturday night — for more reasons than you might think.
According to his manager, Audie Attar of Paradigm Sports Management, McGregor has been training and staying in shape since the coronavirus pandemic hit Ireland almost two months ago.
As seen on his social media, McGregor has also taken a keen interest in guiding his home country during the pandemic via multiple video monologues, and he has donated more than a million euros worth of personal protective equipment to local hospitals.
Attar said McGregor will be watching the Tony Ferguson vs. Justin Gaethje interim lightweight title fight on Saturday because the winner could be his next opponent. Attar also said his client is interested to see how the UFC pulls off its May 9, 13 and 16 events in Jacksonville, Florida.
“Conor is very curious to see whether the health and safety of the athletes and staff are ensured,” Attar said. “He wants to make sure everyone is taken care of properly.”
Before the pandemic hit, McGregor was planning to return July 11, most likely against Gaethje.
According to Attar, McGregor doesn’t like the idea of fighting in an empty arena because he would rather fight in front of a large crowd. However, Attar said McGregor would consider fighting in July after being assured that the fighters and staff involved in the upcoming three shows in Florida are healthy and safe afterward.
McGregor isn’t considering fighting in June, Attar said, and isn’t necessarily focused on a specific opponent at this time.
“While Conor’s desire would be to fight in front of another sold-out crowd,” Attar said, “he does understand what him fighting in an empty arena could do for people at home and would consider if he is comfortable with the way the UFC is holding these events from a health and safety standpoint.”
Late last year, McGregor announced that he hoped to fight three times in 2020. He won his much-anticipated return fight in January — a 40-second TKO win over Donald Cerrone, improving his record to 22-4.