Former champions lash out at Conor McGregor after UFC 329 loss: 'Don't come to me with God's plan'

Conor McGregor in the locker room backstage at UFC 329. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

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Conor McGregor 's tough defeat to Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 continues to generate reactions from leading MMA personalities. In the latest edition of the 'JAXXON' podcast last Tuesday (14), TJ Dillashaw and Michael Bisping spoke out against the Irishman's latest statements, who defined the bizarre injury suffered in the opening seconds as a divine plan.

TJ, who was crowned bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) twice and officially retired in December 2022, said he believes McGregor's current mental state is unlikely to help him return to the octagon, as it is very different from the personality adopted by The Notorious in his prime.

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“I don’t want the new Conor, God’s plan. I want him to be the guy from hell. That guy – like, nobody can say anything to him. He doesn’t apologize for anything. That’s the guy who’s going to bring him back,” Dillashaw stated.

In a more forceful tone, Bisping expressed his annoyance with the religious narrative and implied that McGregor, like other athletes, is trying to shift the focus and transfer responsibility for the defeat to mystical factors, instead of his own actions.

“This has nothing to do with religion. Don’t come at me with that bullshit about God’s plan. Every time someone loses a fight, it’s God’s plan. Shut the fuck up,” the former middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) snapped.

TJ Dillashaw and Michael Bisping aren't buying Conor McGregor ’s “God's plan” explanation for his loss. 👀😬

🗣️TJ: “I don't want the new Conor, God's plan. I want him to be the fucking man. That guy – like, no one can tell him sh*t. He's sorry for nothing. That's the guy that's… pic.twitter.com/i8V0RO53nN

— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) July 15, 2026

McGregor said he will return.

Conor McGregor in the locker room backstage at UFC 329. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

In a social media post this week, the Irishman made it clear that he does not intend to retire at this time. Always emphasizing his faith, the Notorious categorically stated his desire to compete again in the world's biggest MMA event.

"We will return! We will return! In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, we will return!", said Conor McGregor.

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