Dana White Shoots Down Kamaru Usman vs. Conor McGregor as Possibility

Kamaru Usman and his manager have proposed a showdown with Conor McGregor, since, a fight with Jorge Masvidal has yet to be signed. 

So, is the UFC interested in having McGregor compete for his third, UFC belt? As of right now? The answer is no.

White punts talk of Usman vs. McGregor

For a while now, the expectation has been that Masvidal would be next to challenge Usman, and that the two would square off this summer. 

But, more recently, that match-up has seemed in question. Masvidal recently told Nate Diaz that he’s willing to run it back with the Stockton star, as he’s claimed Usman’s asking for too much money. 

According to Usman, however, it’s Masvidal who is avoiding the fight. As a result, recently the welterweight champ told ESPN this, as to why he’s calling for a bout with McGregor (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“We’re about making history here,” Usman said. “He said that he’s the pound-for-pound greatest of all time across three divisions, this is your chance to prove it.

Go out there and win a third belt in a third division. So why wouldn’t we make that fight? I’m gonna give him that opportunity.

If Conor wants it, let’s do it. But Conor’s quiet now. Why is Conor quiet? Who says no to a title shot?”

Well, amidst all this talk about Usman versus McGregor, White was, of course, asked about the proposed matchup by ESPN. The UFC President said this (quote via MMA Junkie).

“Listen, the next title fight for Usman is gonna be one of these guys. It’s gonna be Colby (Covington), Masvidal, (Leon) Edwards. It’s gonna be one of those guys,” White said. “It’s not gonna be Conor McGregor.”

Reaction?

So, since McGregor is such a massive star, some folks might be surprised to hear White say this. The storyline of having him fight for a third UFC title, in three different weight classes, would generate a tidal wave of interest.

But, the UFC’s thinking here very well could be that they don’t like McGregor’s chances against Usman. In the past, White argued that Masvidal is too big for Conor, and Usman is bigger than “Gamebred”.

He’s also a very good wrestler. As a result, more than a few people have expressed doubts about McGregor’s ability to beat the welterweight champ.

If McGregor was to lose, and lose badly to Usman, then the buzz for a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov would certainly drop off. The same could be said for a fight with Justin Gaethje too.