Conor McGregor May Move Up To Lightweight For Title Fight This Spring
Conor McGregor is always making headlines, even when he's not talking or fighting. The days following his giant UFC 194 victory are no different, as his future appears to be coming into focus a little more by the day.
McGregor's coach John Kavanagh appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani on Monday to discuss his fighter's giant victory. When asked about what would be next for McGregor, Kavanagh said that he thinks new Featherweight champion McGregor has his eyes set on the 155-pound division, something he's made no secret of during recent interviews and press conferences.
"I do think the next one will be lightweight for the belt," Kavanagh said. "Maybe that's going to be around April. March, April, something like that. Maybe that and then July, UFC 200. Maybe he'll defend the featherweight belt against Frankie (Edgar) on that card."
Former Lightweight champion Frankie Edgar earned a future Featherweight title shot on Friday with his shocking knockout win over Chad Mendes, but he may have to wait a little longer. McGregor's future plans may end up hinging on the winner of this weekend's Donald Cerrone vs. Rafael dos Anjos lightweight championship fight on Fox. Either way, McGregor probably won't wait long.
"He's never gonna wait until July," Kavanagh told Helwani "Even if I was to suggest it or encourage it, I know it's a pointless effort. I said to him, 'Well, what's next?'" Kavanagh said. "(McGregor) said, 'Well, at this stage, it's kind of up to you.' I was like, 'I like how that sounds.'"
If Donald Cerrone were to win the Lightweight Championship, it'd be fair to bet McGregor would want that fight, as the two would talk it into being huge. Cerrone is about the only person to stand his own with McGregor on the microphone thus far. If dos Anjos defeats Cerrone, it appears McGregor would likely fight Frankie Edgar.
Source: MMAFighting