UFC president Dana White finally has offered a final explanation for the situation at the top of its lightweight division.
Earlier this year, the UFC announced that interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson would be fighting number one contender Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 223. What was not confirmed, however, was whether or not both fighters would be fighting for the undisputed lightweight title.
Dana White also stated at the press conference prior to UFC 220 that the fight between Tony and Khabib will be for the “real belt” without clearing what will happen with McGregor.
Conor McGregor who won the UFC lightweight title at UFC 205 against Edie Alvarez back in November 2016, will remain the UFC 155-pound champion right up until ‘as soon as one punch is thrown’ between Tony vs. Khabib at UFC 223.
Dana White gives some definitive details regarding the champion’s position.
“That’s exactly right: As soon as one punch is thrown, it’s on for the full title and it’s only fair,” White told LA Times’ Lance Pugmire of Ferguson’s impending title fight with the undefeated Nurmagomedov. “They’ve both worked their way up to No. 1 and No. 2. They deserve a shot.”
Conor McGregor has not defended either of his belts after winning it. In summer of 2017, he went on to a boxing match with Floyd Mayweather, which he lost via TKO and earned a massive payday.
“This is good news for the fans,” White said. “I always hear about, ‘What will you do if this guy leaves …’ This is a sport first. People leave, they’ve made money and moved on. It happens.”
White did add that he would be open to having Conor McGregor face whoever wins the main event fight in Brooklyn on April 7th.
”Conor does want the belt, he does want to be the champion, but he doesn’t want to defend it. I’d love to see him fight the winner of Ferguson-Khabib next.”
Do you think Conor Mcgregor will ever fight?
