Michael Bisping and Anthony Smith don’t think middleweight is the right division for Conor McGregor. With this, the two dismissed any possibility of the Irish fighter’s debut in a new class weight, saying “The Notorious” is small for 185.
The return of McGregor in the octagon remains unknown, with the fighter’s team recently sharing that they are still pushing for UFC 300 and Michael Chandlers as his next possible opponent. However, these things are not the only ones that make the return of the UFC superstar interesting. In the past, the fighter suggested a shift to the middleweight, and fans believe this will be the time the Irish will push the change.
Bisping and Smith, nonetheless, refuse to believe it, stressing facts about McGregor’s physique. In a recent Believe You Me podcast episode, the two expressed doubt over the idea, thinking it would be a mistake for McGregor to do.
“He’s not gonna fight at 185, he’s far too small,” Bisping said. “Just because he’s all bulked up, on the good stuff…doesn’t mean he can fight at 185.”
Smith echoed the idea while underscoring that it is not an issue about the fighter’s skill.
“Conor’s not fighting at 185…let’s not forget, Alex Pereira fought at 185,” Smith explained. “[Georges St-Pierre], that guy is huge…if you fight at 145, you’re gonna have a tough time at 185. That’s not me talking s***, Conor, calm down. Not saying anything about your skillset…I think you’re fantastic, just a little small for 185.”
The idea makes sense, with McGregor only boasting a 5’9″ height versus others in the middleweight. Despite making a mark in the featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight and stealing the belts in the first two weight classes, the Irish’s build might become his disadvantage in middleweight. Yet, with the former champ’s character and confidence whoever he faces, taking a risk is not an impossible move.
