UFC star Conor McGregor is drawing attention to his teammate, known as `Slick Nick`, suggesting he deserves a shot in the UFC Octagon following a rapid victory.
Throughout his celebrated combat sports career, McGregor has consistently promoted talents from SBG Ireland. Amidst his own fight preparations and business ventures, McGregor actively supports his MMA and boxing teammates as they climb the ranks, aiming for opportunities on major platforms.
For MMA fighters, the UFC is the ultimate stage, the very place where McGregor transformed his own life. A future UFC Hall of Famer, McGregor transitioned from an ambitious newcomer to the face of the organization during his peak.
McGregor now hopes for similar success for one of his standout teammates, who secured an impressive win in Madrid recently.
Conor McGregor’s Teammate Impresses at WOW 17 Madrid Event
Nikolay Grozdev entered The Way of Warrior FC 17 (WOW) with a strong 8-2 professional record, coming off two consecutive first-round submission wins. Following a performance bonus in September, Grozdev competed at WOW 17 against Theo Bashford, another highly-regarded prospect.
Early in the first round, Bashford landed a solid low kick and a right hand that momentarily stunned Grozdev. However, Grozdev quickly recovered, executed a single-leg takedown, gained top position, and finished the fight with an arm-triangle choke, marking his third victory in a row.
This dramatic comeback for Grozdev occurred in the co-main event of WOW 17, witnessed cageside by UFC star Ilia Topuria in Madrid.
Immediately after Grozdev`s win, McGregor took to social media, advocating for UFC matchmakers to consider signing his teammate.
McGregor shared his reaction to Grozdev’s victory in a recent Instagram story post, simply stating: “Slick Nick ANOTHER 1st ROUND FINISH! UFC,”
Grozdev is now potentially in line for a title shot in WOW FC as he progresses in the featherweight rankings. It may only be a matter of time before the UFC expresses interest, especially with McGregor’s public endorsement.
Conor McGregor Hinted at UFC Retirement at Bare Knuckle FC Press Conference
McGregor`s high praise for Grozdev comes amidst speculation about his own MMA future. Following a recent appearance at a Bare Knuckle FC press conference, McGregor hinted at a possible UFC retirement as he considers running for president of Ireland later this year.
McGregor has not competed in the Octagon since sustaining a leg injury against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. He was scheduled to headline UFC 303 against Michael Chandler last June but withdrew due to a toe injury.
If McGregor were to win the Irish presidential election, he hasn`t ruled out a return to fighting, possibly in boxing or BKFC. He recently engaged with Mike Perry and Jeremy Stephens after becoming a part-owner of BKFC last year.
McGregor`s foray into politics deepened with a recent visit to the White House in Washington D.C., where he met with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump, a known UFC enthusiast, reportedly praised McGregor as one of his favorite Irish figures during a meeting with Irish political leaders.
Benedict Kingsley 
Rupert Hartwell