March 5, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Conor McGregor is introduced before fighting against Nate Diaz during UFC 196 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Always the hot topic, UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor has kept us all waiting. After this latest news, we might not have to wait much longer for his first title defense…

“We’re not here to take part, we’re here to take over!” That one epic quote was used to cut countless promos for Conor McGregor in the lead up to UFC 189  UFC 194. When he finally did face Jose Aldo that December 2015 evening, McGregor lived up to his word.

The months of world tours and confrontations had got under the Brazilian’s skin. Within 13 seconds of the referee declaring the fight started, it was all over courtesy of a single standing left hand.

Obliterated in less time than it takes to boil a kettle, Aldo had truly fallen. Completing his rise from poor Irish kid to MMA superstar, ‘The Notorious’ had taken over, but he was just getting started.

Fast Forward just two years, and McGregor has changed the game of MMA.

Nov 12, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Conor McGregor (blue gloves) fights Eddie Alvarez (red gloves) in their lightweight title bout during UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Two Titles

Snatching the lightweight belt from Eddie Alvarez before being stripped of the undefended 145-pound strap, McGregor made history again. He’d later face Floyd Mayweather in an unsuccessful yet still historic August 26 boxing match.

Now, as we await the news of his impending comeback, the rumors and reports have been swirling. Well, some good news for those hoping to see McGregor vs. (most likely) interim champion Tony Ferguson.

UFC president Dana White, as per respected reporter Lance Pugmire, revealed a bombshell in the early hours of this morning:

Ferguson is the current interim champion, making him a 99% sure bet for McGregor’s return fight. Although Nate Diaz is in the mix, everyone including McGregor has hinted towards a unification bout with ‘El Cucuy.’

Remaining candid about actually naming his opponent, McGregor’s recent statement essentially left little question:

The lightweight title clash now seems destined for UFC 219 on December 30…

“What interests me is certainly a UFC bout, certainly a defence of my lightweight title. There is a fighter with the interim lightweight belt. I feel that will be next. We’ll see how negotiations go.”

I feel to legitimize the belt — there’s an interim champion, I’m the unified champion — I feel that will be next. We are currently in contract negotiations, and we’ll see where it goes.”

“I’ve got everyone clawing at me, trying to get at me, and that’s from multiple sports, multiple organizations, multiple everything,” McGregor said. “It’s been like that for a long, long time, I feel, so it’s just another day for me. I know there are many contenders in the UFC. There are many boxing contenders as well.”

Win or lose against Ferguson, there would be plenty of options for McGregor after December 30. With the recent return of Georges St-Pierre and the ever-present Nate Diaz rivalry, it’s less a matter of if, rather just who & when.

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