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Conor McGregor calls for a major MMA rules change named after himself after Jose Aldo suffers controversial split-decision defeat at UFC 307
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Conor McGregor calls for a major MMA rules change named after himself after Jose Aldo suffers controversial split-decision defeat at UFC 307

Conor McGregor has called on MMA officials to punish fighters who overuse the cage in their game plans.

The legendary two-weight world champion made the intriguing rules suggestion after watching his original UFC rival Jose Aldo collapse in a split-decision loss to Mario Bautista at UFC 307 on Saturday night. The Brazilian struggled to match his youngster’s pace rival and lost 29-28 on two scorecards.

But McGregor believes that if fighters continually take opponents to the same spot on failed takedown attempts, they should be given less time to hold the position with limited action. And if that rule were applied in Aldo’s battle, he thinks his old enemy would have won.

Conor McGregor wants new ‘McGregor clock’ rule implemented after Jose Aldo loses split decision

After watching his former greatest rival Jose Aldo compete on Saturday night, Conor McGregor was clearly excited about the opportunities veterans still have in the UFC. He has just celebrated his 36th birthday and, after three years, is still confident of a successful octagonal return next year.

But he was furious when Mario Bautista made the decision to move up to the top 10 at bantamweight after slowing his rival with wrestling attempts later in the fight. McGregor believes that a position that doesn’t make an impact but is still regularly used to eat up the clock should be punished.

“As a referee, if the fighters go to the same spot over and over again, I would put the position on a clock,” he wrote to his more than 10 million fans on X, formerly Twitter. “And every time they finish there, the clock goes shorter.

Irish MMA fighter Conor McGregor speaks during the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) presentation in Marbella on July 18, 2024, ahea...
Photo by JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images

“30 second clock. 20 seconds clock, 10 seconds, 8 seconds, 6 seconds etc etc etc Separate, separate, separate. There is no point in prolonging these positions as if they did not take place in exactly the same way and nothing other than tampering took place. My opinion.”

When a fan noted that if you fail to land a takedown, you still get points for “effectively wrestling judges,” McGregor noted that his rule change would stop such activity. “It’s bad form, but an easy fix!” He wrote. “Referees must implement the ‘McGregor Clock’ method. Check out my tweets about this here.

“They weren’t failed takedowns either, it was direct stalking,” he said after the interview. People who wobble a little are to prevent the referee from interfering. REFEREES MUST BE ON THE POINT HERE. For the fans! #TheMcGregorClock #EndStawlingQuicker.

“Some referees won’t like the fact that I named that clock after myself, but whatever, call it whatever you want. But execute it! Dana (White, UFC CEO who doesn’t dictate the rules of the sport), tell them.”

Conor McGregor wants Jose Aldo to get another shot at UFC bantamweight gold

While watching the fight, McGregor noted Aldo’s legendary status. And he claimed the UFC should push for a fight between him and current bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili for a future event.

Aldo famously became the first and only featherweight champion in the UFC after they bought out the WEC, with McGregor taking the title from him after years at the top in 2015 at UFC 194. That night he knocked out the Brazilian in a 13 second stunner. that changed the course of MMA history.

Since then, Aldo has reclaimed the 145-pound belt as McGregor moved up to lightweight and even temporarily into boxing. He then dropped down to 135 pounds after losing the title, and made some runs for a second belt before retiring for a short stint and returning this year.

(L-R) Brazil's Jose Aldo punches Mario Bautista in a bantamweight fight during the UFC 307 event at Delta Center on Oct. 5, 2024 in Salt Lake…
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

“One of our true all-time greats!” McGregor wrote after watching his old rival compete at the highest level decades after his debut. “I based my name on Jose. Aldo vs. Merab for two-weight champion status would be something to behold! Motivation! I hope it stays. Must implement discipline!”

But he was shocked by the decision, lashing out at the judges’ call, writing: ‘Rogan said the judges weren’t even looking. That was Jose’s story. Bulls*** decision.

“He just said he shot in to hold him against the fence. That’s not good enough. Referees must intervene here. This sport is the fan sport. Remember this and act accordingly, referees, thanks for the future.

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