Dana White Confirms Donald Cerrone-Conor McGregor Is Target Fight
In an interview with TMZ, UFC president Dana White confirmed that the promotion is in the early stages of putting Donald Cerrone and former UFC champion Conor McGregor together.
Dana White Targeting Cowboy Cerrone vs Conor McGregor, But Deal Isn’t Done Yet https://t.co/m3ikCUiosM
— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) October 30, 2019
Still, though, White let it be known that the fight is far from official.
McGregor recently stated during an overseas press conference that he was planning to return in January, but was not allowed to reveal an opponent. Cerrone has been pushing for the fight for several years.
“We have nothing done, nothing is even close to being done,” White said. “I hate to even talk about thi stuff and say it because it might not happen. It might happen, but we’re looking at ‘Cowboy.'”
McGregor (21-4) has not fought since losing to UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. He is a former featherweight and lightweight champion.
Cerrone (36-13) has suffered back-to-back defeats to Justin Gaethje and Tony Ferguson.
Justin Gaethje: McGregor ‘Terrified’ To Face Me
Former World Series of Fighting champion Justin Gaethje does not believe Conor McGregor ever wants to face him inside the Octagon.
“I truly believe he’s scared to fight the fight that he has to fight against me,” Gaethje told TMZ. “I think he’s looking for a sure win. I know deep down he’s terrified and that’s one thing I bring to the table.”
Justin Gaethje Blasts Conor McGregor, You’re Ducking Me For a ‘Sure Win’ https://t.co/u6TEGXl1oI
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 31, 2019
Gaethje (21-2) has won four of six fights since signing with the UFC. He added that he wouldn’t end the bout early vs. McGregor.
“I wouldn’t finish him like Khabib (Nurmagomedov) did,” he said. “I wouldn’t take his neck. I would make him stand up and then I would make him take it like a man.”
Gaethje is also taking aim at the UFC for reports of McGregor vs. Donald Cerrone being in the works.
Can you imagine a world where @Cowboycerrone fights @TheNotoriousMMA in a fight where #bluelips is trying to fight for a @ufc #worldtitle Thats not the company I fight for or the sport I play. I know @danawhite who dedicated his life to this sport would never let that fly.
— Justin Gaethje ?? (@Justin_Gaethje) October 29, 2019
The UFC returns to action this Saturday night with UFC 244. In the main event, Jorge Masvidal meets Nate Diaz for the “BMF” title from Madison Square Garden in New York City.