UFC Lightweight Champion Conor McGregor Will Finally be Stripped of his Lightweight Title After UFC 223…
Dana White has finally confirmed what we all suspected. UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor will finally be stripped on the 23rd of April. That is assuming both Khabib Nurmagamedov and Tony Ferguson turn up on the day, make weight and finally face off in a case of fourth time lucky.
The pair will face off in the main event of UFC 223, with the winner guaranteed to become the next undisputed lightweight champion. McGregor hasn’t fought in the UFC since November 2016, when he took the title in dominant fashion from Eddie Alvarez, becoming the first UFC fighter to hold two belts at the same time.
After that, he focused his attention on unbeaten boxing legend Floyd Mayweather Jr. The pair finally met in August 2017. McGregor lost that fight but still managed to come away with a cool $100 million. The fight also sold the second highest number of pay-per-views ever. Since then, McGregor has been enjoying being a father and spending his hard-won cash.
Will Be Stripped
When it was first announced that Nurmagamedov and Ferguson were fighting for the undisputed title, there was some confusion about McGregor still holding his title. Eddie Alvarez suggested that it was basically a safeguard in case something happens to stop the pair fighting again. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Dana White confirmed this is the case.
“That’s exactly right,” White said. “As soon as one punch is thrown, it’s on for the full title and it’s only fair. They’ve both worked their way up to No. 1 and No. 2. They deserve a shot.”
Not many people will disagree with him there. Nurmagamedov is currently unbeaten with an incredible 25-0 record. Meanwhile, Ferguson is on a 10 fight win streak – the longest ever in the lightweight division. ‘The Eagle’ will match this if he beats Ferguson at UFC 223.
For the Fans
White spoke about how it was important for the fans and the fighters that the division keeps moving. Many fighters have been vocally frustrated that McGregor seems able to do whatever he wants. White said:
“This is good news for the fans. I always hear about, ‘What will you do if this guy leaves?’ This is a sport first. People leave, they’ve made money and moved on. It happens.”
It’s undeniable though that the UFC top brass has let McGregor hold onto the belt for as long as possible. He’s actually broken the dubious record for most consecutive days without defending a title. ‘The Notorious’ is their biggest star and they know it.
Comeback is On
McGregor is expected to make his own comeback at some point this year. The Irishman said last week that he wanted to fight Frankie Edgar in the main event of this weekend’s UFC 222, and replace the injured Max Holloway. He’s been stepping up preparations and just seems to be waiting for the most lucrative opponent.
“Conor does want the belt, he does want to be the champion, but he doesn’t want to defend it,” said White. “I’d love to see him fight the winner of Ferguson-Khabib next.”
That does seem to be the most likely scenario. A trilogy fight with Nate Diaz will probably happen at some point, but it doesn’t make sense just yet. Floyd Mayweather is another name that keeps being tossed about, but that seems about as likely as Demetrious Johnson fighting for the heavyweight title.
