The UFC lightweight division is moving on without Conor McGregor, it would seem. Having been inactive for well over 12 months now, the UFC lightweight champion is likely no longer…
Conor McGregor, for all the good he has done the sport, has left the UFC in a tough position He’s by far the most lucrative and popular fighter on their roster, but the world’s largest MMA promotion seems hesitant to pay him as such.
After losing to Floyd Mayweather on August 26, ‘The Notorious’ reminded the UFC about his previous demands. The terms were simple; pay McGregor a promoter’s stake or the Irish superstar wouldn’t get out of bed.
The situation evolved while McGregor was away, firstly with the interim belt being won by Tony Ferguson. ‘Defend or vacate’ was the line used in every social media post by ‘El Cucuy,’ and the UFC would soon be making a similar demand.
Khabib Nurmagomedov added further fuel to the fire with his UFC 219 domination of Edson Barboza.
Strip Club
Having already been pinched of the featherweight belt, McGregor was now facing another trip to the strip club. UFC president Dana White would go on record as saying Ferguson vs. Khabib would be for the undisputed belt if McGregor could not return by March.
Now, in a further update to Toucher and Rich, White announced Ferguson vs. Nurmagomedov as the main event for UFC 223:
Dana White on our show confirmed that Khabib vs. Ferguson is indeed on for UFC 223 in Brooklyn. #UFC
— Toucher and Rich (@Toucherandrich) January 17, 2018
It’s Official!
Now, White did not comment on the McGregor situation, but it doesn’t take a genius to figure that one out. Just read his previous comments on McGregor being stripped of the belt if this scenario played out:
“I don’t think he wants to fight until August, but if he waits until August or September, that’s around two years since the belt has been defended and that can’t happen,” said White.”
“As long as Conor is willing to fight by March, we could do Khabib versus Tony and then the winner fights Conor for the title,” said White. “Or, if Conor wants to sit out until next fall, then we’d have to make Khabib versus Tony for the title, not the interim title.”
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“I’ve never been afraid to pay Conor McGregor money,” said White. “Conor brings money in. We’ve laid out a really nice offer for him and he’s a smart kid, I think we’ll figure it out.”
“If Conor McGregor fights next year, that’ll be awesome. If Conor McGregor doesn’t fight, the UFC is going to go on. I’ve been hearing this since 2003. What are you going to do when Chuck Liddell’s gone? What are you going to do when Georges St-Pierre leaves? You’re in big trouble when Anderson Silva’s gone! The list goes on and on. Ronda Rousey.,,”
