“I mean, Conor is an entertainer, but he’s also a deliverer. People can say what they want—I don’t have an issue with Conor,” said Tyron Woodley on BJ Penn.com, downplaying any serious rivalry with Conor McGregor while offering him a bit of praise. However, tension sparked when McGregor’s now-iconic phrase “All the belts” came in response to a question about moving up in weight to capture a third title at UFC 205 pre-fight presser. Woodley, the reigning welterweight champion at the time, didn’t let it slide. He fired back with a subtle warning: “We punch with way different power in this weight division. Pack a lunch, brother.” Although McGregor didn’t respond directly, it marked the beginning of a simmering confrontation between two UFC stars.

That wasn’t the last time these two alphas locked eyes. Fate brought them face-to-face again backstage after the UFC 205 ceremonial weigh-ins. MMA journalist Ariel Helwani later shared and narrated the moment in a video. According to him, Tyron Woodley casually said, “What’s up?” to Conor McGregor. ‘The Notorious One’ didn’t answer with words. Instead, he sized up Woodley with those intense, competitive eyes. It wasn’t a full-blown confrontation. But the tension was real. The real heat came later on when these two decided to demolish each other on Twitter (now X).

Tyron Woodley eventually saw the video, and he wasn’t impressed. With clear frustration, he jumped on Twitter and fired off, “@arielhelwani Some of us are really about that life! The quiet ones are the ones really from the slums. Don’t make me go back.” Conor McGregor, never one to let anything slide, clapped back the only way he knows how, “Twitter b—. You’ll do nothing.” Woodley wasn’t about to stay silent. He reminded McGregor that he’s not the kind of guy to play with. He called him out for staying quiet in person but tough on Twitter, “Funny how you was dead ass quiet on stage and didn’t say s— about getting these paws.” Ironically, Woodley ended up helping McGregor lift his second belt that night—literally. Even a decade later, the echoes of that moment still haven’t fully faded.

Woodley on Verse Us with Eric Nicksick podcast revealed, “Conor ain’t size up s—! This is the thing. Everybody knows. Knows! The UFC was upset with me because it would’ve been a good promotion. Maybe I should’ve done it, because it could’ve been led to us fighting. But, I went on Ariel Helwani’s show and went off on Conor in like crazy way. Because where I’m from. People get shot for 10 calling you a b—. Conor has never spoken s— about me since then, not one time, and recognized who he can play with, and I’m not one of those guys.”

The Irishman has always been a menace, especially back when he ruled the top echelon of the MMA world. He got under everyone’s skin, so it’s no surprise he took a dig at the former welterweight champ too. McGregor had already fought at welterweight twice against Nate Diaz. In their rematch, he managed to outstrike the Stockton native, earning a gritty win that no doubt boosted his confidence for a potential third belt run. But that fight with Woodley? It never happened, despite all the tension. Instead, McGregor veered off into a side quest with Floyd Mayweather. And the rest? Well, that’s history.

Presently, Conor McGregor is still a fighter. He’s also a wildly successful businessman, a combat sports promoter, and, believe it or not, an ambitious hopeful for Ireland’s future presidency. His life has done a complete 180 since joining the UFC—and even more so after stepping away. Sure, his journey hasn’t pleased everyone. But one thing’s undeniable: his superstardom still commands attention. And it will keep doing so until the day he steps onto a podium and says, “I’m done fighting.” Until then, the callouts won’t stop. And now, Mike Perry is seizing his shot.

Mike Perry calls out Conor McGregor with a stern warning

Mike Perry and Conor McGregor once shared mutual respect. Perry, now known as “The King of Violence,” helped boost Bare Knuckle FC’s rise in combat sports. He scored big wins over Eddie Alvarez, Luke Rockhold, and Thiago Alves. But after Perry lost to Jake Paul by TKO in the sixth round of their boxing match, things changed. McGregor, true to form, took to his favorite platform, X, and fired shots. “Hey Mike, you’re released. You can go and compete in your smelly, dirty boxing championship thing. The smell of it. Good luck. You’re fired.” Perry didn’t ignore it. He clapped back with sharp words, “Are we still talking about that guy? Is that guy still relevant? Does he even fight anymore?” The dust hasn’t settled. Perry called out McGregor again—this time with real smoke behind the challenge.

During an interview with the Schmo, Perry said, “I mean, Conor McGregor is getting all this attention for just talking about bare knuckle. He’s never even faced anyone, I’m 5-0 in there. No hate to him, man, he’s a good promoter. If that’s what he wants to do, you know, it’s all a lie out here. But, y’all know for a fact that you can’t come and see me in real life to my face and try me, or I’ll f— you up, b—-“

Who do you think would’ve been a more realistic opponent for Conor McGregor: Mike Perry or Tyron Woodley? Drop your thoughts in the comments!”