Conor McGregor slams 'braindead fool' Justin Gaethje for saying he'd quit if Irishman got a title shot

Justin Gaethje says he'd probably walk away from the sport if Conor McGregor was handed a title shot on his return to the UFC.

Well, it seems these comments have reached the Irishman and he's not best pleased.

McGregor has now fired off a series of tweets, calling his fellow lightweight contender a 'braindead fool'.

Twitter

Following a long injury layoff, McGregor will make his comeback as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter television series.

At the end of the show, the two coaches - McGregor and Michael Chandler - will scrap it out in the octagon with their bout expected to be at 170 pounds.

But given McGregor's superstardom, there has already been a rumours he could fight for a title very soon – whether that be at lightweight or welterweight.

As one of the 155-pound division's very best Gaethje won't be happy if those whispers come to fruition.

“Would I quit if Conor won and they gave him a title shot? Probably,” Gaethje told ESPN.

“That’s how hurt I would be by the actions of the company that I represent. But that’s out of my control. I just really hope that doesn’t happen.

“We can imagine a lot of things, but there’s a possibility that that’s the scenario, which I would be devastated, for sure.”

In response, McGregor unloaded on Gaethje.

“This braindead fool got a title shot off of one single win and it was vs chandler,” McGregor tweeted.

“Yet he will quit and retire if I get the same thing. Classic Gaethje bird brain. #Jackass Two Title attempt. No wins.”

The tweets have since been deleted.

Alamy

Gaethje recently produced arguably the performance of his career against surging lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev at UFC 286 in London.

The victory puts the former interim champion right back into title contention, although Gaethje is eyeing up a rematch against an old foe.

“I’m a much different, more mature fighter, as is (Dustin Poirier), but I think we’re two of the best in the world,” Gaethje said.

“Neither one of us have a fight lined up, so no-brainer. It leads to big title discussions. I gave the new guys a chance, they proved that they can’t crack it yet with the experienced. At the end of the day, it comes down to their ability to fight a smart fight and not get too tired.”

Topics: MMA, UFC, Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry