In recent months, Anthony Pettis wasn’t generally one of the names mentioned as a possibility for Conor McGregor’s next opponent. But, according to “Showtime”, the UFC was interested in having him throw hands with his fellow, former lightweight champ.

Names often mentioned regarding McGregor’s next fight

Throughout 2019, there’s been no shortage of debate and discussion about when and who McGregor will fight next. Obviously, Khabib Nurmagomedov has been front-and-center in this talk, since he tapped out McGregor last October, in what was one of the biggest fights ever. Further, McGregor has repeatedly pushed for a rematch with the champ, and names like Donald Cerrone, Justin Gaethje, and Nate Diaz, were also repeatedly mentioned as possibilities for the “Notorious” one.

More recently the longtime coach of Pettis, Duke Roufus, has said he thinks the highlight reel striker and McGregor are on a “collision course”. But, that’s provided Pettis defeats Diaz at UFC 241.

Pettis says offer to fight McGregor was tabled

Well, while speaking with the media this week in advance of his bout this Saturday with Diaz, Pettis reported this (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“First it was McGregor, and I was like, ‘Let’s do it in Madison Square Garden,’” Pettis said. “Something fell off with that and then it popped up Nate, and I was just like we’ll see what happens. And we signed that contract, and we’re here.”

Now, we don’t know how involved talks got regarding this with McGregor’s team, but it’s interesting to hear nonetheless. Dana White has repeatedly said that McGregor will wait to see what happens with the September 7th bout with Khabib and Dustin Poirier. So the fact McGregor – Pettis didn’t get signed for …yet…isn’t too surprising.

In addition, these comments do make you wonder if McGregor – Pettis could materialize, provided the latter wins on Saturday, and McGregor’s title shot at 155 doesn’t materialize.

Here is the complete line-up for UFC 241, which will take place in Anaheim (line-up via MMA Mania):

UFC 241 Main Card On ESPN+ PPV (10 p.m. ET)
265 lbs.: UFC Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic
155 lbs.: Nate Diaz vs. Anthony Pettis
185 lbs.: Paulo Costa vs. Yoel Romero
145 lbs.: Gabriel Benitez vs. Sodiq Yusuff
185 lbs.: Derek Brunson vs. Ian Heinisch
UFC 241 ‘Prelims’ Undercard On ESPN (8 p.m. ET):
155 lbs.: Devonte Smith vs. Khama Worthy
135 lbs.: Raphael Assuncao vs. Cory Sandhagen
155 lbs.: Christos Giagos vs. Drakkar Klose
135 lbs.: Manny Bermudez vs. Casey Kenney

UFC 241 ‘Prelims’ Undercard On Fight Pass (6:15 p.m.)
115 lbs.: Hannah Cifers vs. Jodie Esquibel
135 lbs.: Brandon Davis vs. Kang Kyung-ho
125 lbs.: Shana Dobson vs. Sabina Mazo
115 lbs.: Poliana Botelho vs. Maryna Moroz

*Fight card, bout order and the amount of matches subject to change.

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