There are two reasons for the litany of call-outs aimed at Conor McGregor from UFC fighters across several weight divisions.
Everyone from featherweight to welterweight wants to share the Octagon with ‘The Notorious’ while the greatest middleweight of all time is now banging the drum in a bag way in the hopes of getting a piece of McGregor.
The first reason is the guaranteed payday that comes with a McGregor fight and while Donald Cerrone has recently revealed that there is a misconception about the so-called red panty night, there is undoubtedly more to be earned when sharing the bill with the Irishman.
The second reason is the fact that McGregor has significantly boosted the profile of all of his opponents in recent years but this is not the reason that Anderson Silva has been pushing for a bout against McGregor.
Silva’s legacy as one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of all time is cemented, regardless of how he ends his career, and it’s clear that the former 185lbs champion is simply pursuing a career-high payday before he hangs up his gloves.
At 44, Silva’s fighting days are numbered and ahead of his upcoming clash in Rio De Janeiro against Jared Cannonier, ‘The Spider’ has pleaded with UFC President Dana White to make sure that the McGregor fight gets made.
“I believe this fight is very interesting for the sport, for the fans,” Silva told TMZ. “But that’s a good question for Dana White, because Conor accepted the challenge, I accepted the challenge and we’re just waiting for the opportunity. Let’s see.
“Come on boss. Give the show to the fans, give this show to the big fans of the UFC. Two big guys, two big names, you know?
“It’s good money for you Dana, and a good challenge for me and Conor. I believe I could cut my weight to 180lbs, I believe McGregor could get his weight to 180lbs and I believe it’s a good fight for me and Conor. That’s a good experience for the fans, especially the fans of this sport. That’s a super, super, super fight. Anderson Silva and Conor McGregor.”
