In recent weeks, the idea of Conor McGregor and Paddy Pimblett fighting in the Octagon has shifted from a fun idea to something that could pan out as a real matchup. Pimblett’s spectacular TKO win over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 has fueled the buzz surrounding the matchup. McGregor may not have officially accepted, but his social media posts have kept the rumors alive. Now, UFC great Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson has joined the conversation—and what he said might get the attention of UFC boss Dana White.

On the JAXXON Podcast, ‘Rampage’ was asked to choose between McGregor and Pimblett, but he took a different approach—one that screamed volumes. “Oh damn, you know—that goes to youth versus age, right?” Jackson began, mindful not to take sides between two fighters he admires. But then came the phrase that should have Dana White sitting straight: “I think that’ll probably be one of the highest-grossing fights of the year, I tell you that.”

For a veteran like Jackson, who has seen the fight game evolve from the inside out, recognizing the earning potential of this bout is no minor feat. It’s a stark reminder that McGregor vs. Pimblett is more than just trash talk—it’s a money-printing opportunity.

And if there’s one thing Dana White never overlooks, it’s a fight that can deliver massive numbers. This is especially if they can help him break the $2.4 million pay-per-view buys for UFC 229: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor, which still remains the biggest UFC PPV record to date. The ingredients are all there. ‘The Notorious,’ the sport’s biggest draw, is still teasing a return.

Paddy Pimblett, brash and undefeated in the UFC so far, did not hesitate to call the Irishman out for betting against him at UFC 314. “If he wants to fight, I’m ready,” ‘The Baddy’ vowed. Later, he reiterated, “If you wanna come back, Con, I’m here son. I’d mufty you just like I’ve just muftied Chandler.” He even envisioned one of his fights taking place at Anfield, in front of 70,000 screaming fans. So, what better than making a returning Conor McGregor his opponent? It is a pitch tailor-made for the MMA world’s Mr. Krabs.

The fight may not be booked just yet, but the story is unfolding. You have a surging Paddy Pimblett demanding respect, a looming Conor McGregor delivering cryptic compliments, and now a legend in ‘Rampage’ pointing out how much money this fight would bring in. The UFC has always thrived on these types of fights, in which skill, personality, and spectacle collide.

With Quinton Jackson’s statements resonating across MMA circles, Dana White has one more reason to seriously consider it. Sometimes fans don’t need a title on the line—they just want to see a fight they can’t miss. However, all this requires the Irishman to finally make his return. And to do so, he has put forth a condition.

Conor McGregor reveals a major condition for UFC return

The stage seems almost perfectly set: Paddy Pimblett’s stock has never been higher, Conor McGregor has expressed interest again, and MMA veterans such as Quinton Jackson are hyping the potential blockbuster. However, one important thing remains in the way of making this fantasy matchup a reality: McGregor himself. While the Irishman has flirted with retirement and politics, he is now hinting at a return to the UFC. Only this time, he’s included a very specific—and extremely difficult—condition. A condition that might make Dana White think twice.

McGregor stated in a recent X post, “I’ll only come back to a stadium.” It’s not the first time he’s expressed his wish, but this time it sounds more like a declaration than a casual plea. It totally fits. A spectacle such as McGregor vs. Pimblett is not appropriate for an ordinary arena.

And it is worth noting that ‘The Baddy’ earlier stated that a fight with ‘The Notorious’ would need to take place at Anfield, promising an explosive crowd of 70,000. So, it looks like the pieces are there, but Dana White has already dismissed the idea of stadium shows. That puts this mega-fight in jeopardy.

Making matters more complicated is McGregor’s ongoing obsession with Michael Chandler. Despite Pimblett’s overwhelming win over Chandler, McGregor responded with a simple post on X: “IRON MIKE CHANDLER. Unfinished business.” For fans hoping for a passing-of-the-torch moment or a generational confrontation with Pimblett, this is a frustrating detour.

But if Dana White is serious about increasing UFC profitability, and Conor McGregor truly wants a stadium-sized comeback, the stars may still align. All it takes is the right offer, the proper location, and a reminder that this war is about money, not legacies. And no one knows this better than ‘The Notorious.’ What do you think? Do you see the fight happening in 2025? Let us know in the comments.