Both fighters in the potential 155 lb title eliminator bout at UFC 205 would prefer Conor McGregor to lose to Eddie Alvarez.
Although Tony Ferguson may very well have solidified his position as the number one contender with his emphatic victory over former champion Rafael dos Anjos, a lot of people are predicting that the next fighter to get a crack at the lightweight strap could be the winner of Khabib Nurmagomedov and Michael Johnson.
While one would think that a Red Panty Night and all the benefits that go with it would be their ideal prize for the victor, both fighters want the Underground King to successfully defend his belt at the first time of asking.
This time it's different #UFC205 https://t.co/HZPca05vsS
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) November 7, 2016
About a month ago, Johnson explained that he was pulling for Alvarez because he believed McGregor may not be booked for another lightweight title fight for the next time he enters the Octagon. He feels that a trilogy fight with Nate Diaz would be much better business for the promotion, and that was the avenue they would likely pursue.
Speaking at the UFC 205 Media Day, Nurmagomedov told reporters that he would also prefer Alvarez to win. However, his reasoning was slightly different. He thinks that McGregor would actively try to duck him if he beat Johnson.
“UFC says after this fight I get to fight for the title. I think I deserve this. If Conor wins, of course he don’t take this fight. If Alvarez wins, I hope takes this fight and we’ll fight with him.”
“What do you think? He takes one of the toughest wrestling guys or he takes striking guy? I think of course he takes easy fight. Maybe he fights one more time with (Nate) Diaz and make easy fight. Why would he need somebody grabbing and smash him like make him flat, take him down. He’s smart guy. He’s business guy.”
The Dagestani only has eyes for the belt and should he improve his pristine record to 24-0 in Madison Square Garden, he wants to be rewarded with a title shot.
“I hope Alvarez wins, because I know if Conor wins he’ll make my situation bad because I know he’ll never fight with me.”
