Conor McGregor To Challenge For UFC Lightweight Title

Initially UFC president Dana White had declared McGregor would need to vacate the featherweight belt to challenge at lightweight, but it is increasingly clear that what McGregor wants, he gets. He also would become just the third UFC fighter to win titles in two divisions, joining Randy Couture (heavyweight, light heavyweight) and B.J. Penn (lightweight, welterweight).

McGregor has said in the past that the cut to featherweight is tough, but he’s never missed the mark and will eventually return there to defend the title after he’s finished with dos Anjos in March.

Mr. McGregor was still busy counting the take from his last fight.

As soon as the UFC 197 main event between Conor McGregor and Rafael dos Anjos was officially announced, “The Notorious” immediately initiated the war against the light heavyweight champion.

Helwani does not think McGregor has to alter anything about his own style or approach when he comes into this fight, highlighting that “Conor plays by his own rules”, describing the Dubliner’s punches as “like a sniper” with every punch having a “meaning”.

In a statement on his Facebook page entitled “Official fight announcement”, McGregor called Dos Anjos a “traitor” and a “gringo” – Latino slang for an American citizen.

His first title defence, a ferocious 66-second TKO of Donald Cerrone which halted the challenger’s eight-fight win streak, showed it wasn’t a fluke and cemented his place at the top of the 155lb division.

Plus, we love bad Photoshop jobs and pro wrestling promos as much as anyone.

Another title fight in the co-main event will also be anticipated by fight fans, with undisputed women’s bantamweight champ Holly Holm set for her first title defense against Miesha Tate. A rematch between Holm and Rousey is an exciting one, since Rowdy has been very vocal of her plans to take down the former during their second fight.

Tate lost to Rousey in 2012 and 2013 but is now on the back of a four-fight winning streak and is rated as the No 2 contender in the 135lbs division following her win over Jessica Eye.