In recent months, Conor McGregor has said he’s looking to have a busy 2020 campaign and that he doesn’t want to sit on the sidelines, waiting for another shot at the 155 title. Well, in a new interview with the star, McGregor didn’t mention specific fighters, in terms of his next opponent. But, he did outline some conditions for his next contest.
McGregor’s not interested in a boring fight
Ever since McGregor was tapped out by Khabib Nurmagomedov in 2019, he’s repeatedly called for a rematch with the lightweight champ. Following McGregor’s win over Donald Cerrone at UFC 246 in January, Dana White said that McGregor could face the winner of the April 18th bout between Khabib and Tony Ferguson.
But, since that fight might not materialize until late summer, early fall, McGregor has said he wants to fight in the interim. More recently, White relayed that McGregor could indeed, compete before then.
Well, in a recent interview with Bleacher Report, McGregor didn’t mention names. But he did say the following, while discussing his next fight.
“What the fans, and frankly the fighters, don’t want is a dull fight or a dull lead up to a fight,” McGregor said. “I enjoy every aspect, and the fans deserve to see and hear the real me. I am very passionate and eager to please the fans and win for them and my family. I am willing to fight anyone and have proved that time and time again. I look for a good scrap, and if it isn’t going to be that, I have no interest.
” … The money is not why I do this. I am a very rich man, and my children and those that come after them will be just fine. I love the fight game. I learned many things boxing in Crumlin where I grew up, and my deep love is why I do this today. I will be in the Octagon again soon and fully expect to box again. You will need to stay tuned, but trust me—the fans will enjoy. Giving them what they want and entertaining them is important to me.”
Now, some critics of Khabib and his grappling centric style, might view these comments as McGregor saying he’s not interested in a rematch any longer. But, that’s very, very unlikely the case. Even when McGregor talked about fighting at welterweight again, he was always quick to state that he still wants to rematch Khabib.
McGregor admits to not training properly for UFC 229
And while talking about Nurmagomedov, and his loss to the champ, McGregor stated the following about his preparation.
“I will admit that the fight before UFC 246, I did not train properly and was not in perfect condition. Call it what you want. I am hungry today. Hungry like a man who has not eaten for weeks. … When I set my mind to something, there is nothing I can not accomplish. It is that power of belief that makes up the winners.”
If you’ve followed McGregor in recent months, you know that he’s admitted to drinking during his camp for the Khabib fight. He’s also said he incurred a foot injury which impacted his preparation.
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