Conor McGregor calls out Alex Volkanovski as double-champ status awaits Aussie star

Liam O'Loughlin

Conor McGregor calls out Alex Volkanovski as double-champ status awaits Aussie star image

UFC great Conor McGregor has called out pound-for-pound king Alex Volkanovski, with the Aussie star set to push for the illustrious 'double-champ status' next year.

Volkanovski looks poised for a massive showdown against new lightweight champ Islam Makhachev, with the clash likely slated for the company's return to Australia in February for UFC 284. 

The 34-year-old Shellharbour native will be gunning to join an elite group of fighters that includes McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes and Henry Cejudo, with the possibility of becoming a simultaneous double-champ well within his grasp.

But during a trademark night on Twitter for the Irishman, McGregor made a stack of wild posts that included a shot at the reigning featherweight champion and his likely next opponent. 

Volkanovski was quick to respond to the insult, leading to a tense but amicable exchange between the pair, with McGregor even offering some words of advice for the 26-1 Australian. 

McGregor hasn't fought since his loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021, which saw the megastar suffer a nasty broken leg and force a doctor's stoppage. 

Volkanovski last stepped into the cage in July, defeating Max Holloway for a third time at UFC 276. 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.