Conor McGregor all the time had designs on including extra {hardware} to his UFC title assortment, and welterweight gold is perhaps subsequent on his listing.
As he prepares to struggle Michael Chandler at 170 kilos at UFC 303, the previous two-division champ mentioned his curiosity in reclaiming the light-weight title he as soon as held or doubtlessly pursuing one thing completely different. That’s when McGregor referenced his present plans to struggle at welterweight, whereas additionally taking goal at reigning UFC champion Leon Edwards.
“Even have a look at the welterweight image, which is my subsequent weight, the welterweight image,” McGregor mentioned throughout a Duelbits reside chat. “Leon Edwards — Nate Diaz nearly knocked him out, had him out on his toes. If that was occurring [with me], Leon’s unconscious. Additionally [Donald] Cerrone went the gap with him.”
McGregor’s previous fights at welterweight occurred in opposition to Diaz and Cerrone, and he at the moment sports activities a 2-1 document within the division. McGregor nonetheless hasn’t confronted a lifelong welterweight, nonetheless, and that received’t change when he faces Chandler, who has spent his complete profession competing at 155 kilos.
That mentioned, McGregor believes the welterweight division is ripe for the choosing, particularly for a star of his magnitude. He doesn’t have to look any additional than the subsequent title struggle at 170 kilos, which sees Edwards go up in opposition to Belal Muhammad in July, to know UFC would like to see him take a stab at that belt.
“There’s too many selections occurring now with that Leon fella,” McGregor mentioned. “Leon Edwards loves a call. Then he’s combating one other choice man, your man Belal. Not nice instances within the welterweight title image.
“[UFC 303 sells 200,000 pay-per-view] buys in all probability, not even — 150,000 buys, if it’s even a pay-per-view. It’s in all probability not even a pay-per-view.”
Edwards vs. Muhammad is a pay-per-view headliner at UFC 304, however it appears McGregor isn’t all that serious about watching — although which will change if he beats Chandler after which declares his intention to go for the welterweight title.
Whether or not it’s welterweight gold or maybe even operating it again with previous foe Max Holloway with the “BMF” title going up for grabs, McGregor prefers the concept of including new accolades to his résumé quite than chasing down one thing he’s already received previously.
“I’m taking a look at all these belts,” McGregor mentioned. “The light-weight world title, though I’ve held that — how excited would I be to chop that weight once more after successful it already? I’ve already held the belt.
“I’d be excited concerning the ‘Dangerous Mom F*cker’ title and I’d be excited concerning the welterweight title. We’ll see what occurs. I take issues as they arrive.”
Whether or not it’s light-weight, welterweight, or BMF, McGregor expects to get a shot at a UFC title within the close to future, however he’d actually just like the promotion so as to add one other belt to the corporate’s portfolio to point out appreciation for all the eye he’s introduced these championships.
“There needs to be a McGregor belt or some form of cash belt,” McGregor mentioned. “The UFC must give you one for me. As a result of all of these items have been created off the again of me.”
