Sean Strickland vs Conor McGregor? The Notorious drops big hint on his next move in UFC

After witnessing Sean Strickland depose Israel Adesanya, Conor McGregor hinted about moving to the middleweight class. Strickland shocked everyone by defeating Adesanya to win the middleweight championship on Saturday night, Sept. 9. The outcome of the UFC 293 main event altered the course of the 185-pound division, which may now include another enormous superstar.

3 things you need to know

• Conor McGregor hasn't stepped inside the Octagon since July 2021
• McGregor last fought Dustin Poirier at UFC 264
• McGregor is set to return against Michael Chandler

Conor McGregor ready to move up the weight division to take on Sean Strickland

Following Strickland's historic victory, McGregor responded to a post-fight interview from the new middleweight champion. Strickland comically said he is ready to take on McGregor, but upon noticing the statement of the new 185-lbs king, McGregor vehemently accepted. 

“I give him less than a month he trading that motor in hahaha” The comment section was filled with various responses, including one fan saying: “Conor move up to 185 this is ur chance”. The Notorious’ shook things up by responding with the following message: “No mess, I’d fancy it.”

No mess, I’d fancy it. https://t.co/TYVkSSBzxu

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 10, 2023

Also Read | India's sole entry in UFC, Anshul Jubli announces return date months after historic win

Due to a serious leg injury, McGregor's last fight ended in a loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021. The former two-division UFC champion is getting ready to make a comeback later this year or in early 2024 after a prolonged recovery procedure.

After coaching against him on The Ultimate Fighter Season 31, "The Notorious" is predicted to face Michael Chandler in his eagerly anticipated Octagon comeback. Which weight division will they compete in is the question.

Conor McGregor praises UFC after Strickland defeated Adesanya

Every MMA fan was reminded by Sean Strickland's victory at UFC 293 that anything can happen in the Octagon. After Strickland was crowned the new middleweight king, Conor McGregor acknowledged the unpredictable nature of UFC matches by writing the following on Twitter:

“The “spar only” method crowns the new UFC middleweight world champion. Well done Sean. Unlucky Izzy. Two quality operators as well as complete opposite characters facing off, where else would you get it. Incredible! What a sport. What a company! @ufc is King.”

The “spar only” method crowns the new ufc middleweight world champion. Well done Sean. Unlucky Izzy. Two quality operators as well as complete opposite characters facing off, where else would you get it. Incredible! What a sport. What a company! @ufc is King.

— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 10, 2023

Also Read | WATCH: Hyderabad crowd erupts as John Cena makes EPIC entry in WWE Superstar Spectacle

It's safe to say that not many people had Strickland beating Israel Adesanya as their pick. As a result, the UFC must decide what to do with the division going forward, which might involve scheduling Adesanya for a quick rematch. Therefore, it's possible that Dricus Du Plessis, who was supposed to come next, will have to wait to secure yet another victory.