Potential Conor McGregor comeback opponent says he would ‘hurt him bad’ | The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload ourSocial PartnerWe are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAlex PattleWednesday 25 February 2026 10:57 GMTConor McGregor is eyeing a UFC comeback (Brian Lawless/PA) (PA Archive)Carlos Prates has stated he has not been contacted by the UFC regarding a rumoured fight with Conor McGregor, despite widespread speculation.Prates, the fifth-ranked welterweight in the world, believes a fight with McGregor is unlikely, claiming he would “hurt him bad” and that it would not be a suitable comeback for the Irish star.McGregor, who has been absent from MMA for five years due to injury, has posted conflicting messages on social media, initially accepting a “no name” opponent but later questioning the contract.UFC president Dana White has indicated that if McGregor's next fight were confirmed, he would announce it, and that McGregor's desired involvement in the White House event in June is improbable.McGregor last fought in July 2021, suffering a broken leg, and withdrew from a June 2024 fight with Michael Chandler due to a broken toe, extending his time away from the Octagon.In fullRumoured Conor McGregor opponent Carlos Prates speaks out on UFC fightThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in