Conor McGregor ‘ran away’ from return offer claims UFC knockout artist

UFC welterweight Carlos Prates believes Conor McGregor turned down a fight with him because he’s too tough a matchup.

McGregor‘s return has arguably been the biggest talking point in the MMA world ever since the UFC announced its historic show at the White House, scheduled for June 14.

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UFC CEO Dana White is set to announce the full card for the huge event this weekend and McGregor is a hot favourite to feature, although reports have suggested the Irishman’s return could be delayed.

The UFC White House card reveal could coincide with UFC 326, with Max Holloway defending his BMF title against Charles Oliveira in Las Vegas on Saturday evening.

Earlier last month, McGregor revealed he had accepted a comeback fight against a ‘no name’ opponent.

This launched a debate among MMA fans over who he was referring to, with Prates a recurring name, given that McGregor’s return is most certainly to take place at 170lbs.

Prates, who knocked out Leon Edwards in his last fight, then took to social media to show his appreciation for being talked about in the same bracket as McGregor.

Although Prates admitted the fight would be hard to make, the Brazilian has now revealed his name was, in fact, offered to McGregor in a list of names for a comeback fight.

Conor McGregor ‘ran away’ from me, says Carlos Prates

“Nothing came from the UFC,” Prates told Laerte Viana.

“I believe they offered me to McGregor and then he ran away, because I’m a tough matchup.

“This guy’s been out for five years and it’s not even in his weight class.

“Even though some of his UFC fights have been at [welterweight], he’s not a natural 170lb fighter.

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“I come with all the hype, knocking everyone out. If I were him, I wouldn’t accept the fight either.

“I think he wants to get a former champion or someone like that.”

McGregor hasn’t fought since breaking his leg in a trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier in July 2021.

While Prates remains an unrealistic proposition, McGregor may favour a fight against a ranked opponent, rather than a legend like Nate Diaz or Jorge Masvidal, to put his name straight in the mix for a title shot.

The 37-year-old has previously explained how he wants to become the first three-division champion in the UFC by defeating current welterweight king Islam Makhachev.

McGregor became the first-ever simultaneous UFC champion when he defeated Eddie Alvarez in 2016 to become the lightweight champion, while also holding featherweight gold.

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