Three days ago, Dana White claimed Conor McGregor was injured. Last night, the UFC president stuck to his word.
John Kavanagh, McGregor’s coach, may be posting video clips of McGregor flow sparring at Straight Blast Gym but White is not for budging.
During an interview with Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sport, White once again spoke of McGregor carrying an injury. The UFC president said:
“Conor’s foot is hurt, but he thinks he can fight. I want him to fight Aldo.”
McGregor’s preferred option is a lightweight tilt at Eddie Alvarez but he is being urged to defend the featherweight belt he won from Jose Aldo last December.
Big party tomorrow night @SIN_NIGHTCLUB #TheMacLifeParty pic.twitter.com/jK6rx27TTC
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 24, 2016
Alvarez is being lined up for a title defence against No.1 lightweight contender – in rankings and in White’s opinion – Khabib Nurmagomedov. The Russian fighter has signed bout agreements to take on Alvarez at both UFC 205 [New York] and UFC 206 [Toronto].
The latter now appears likely but Alvarez has yet to sign his agreement.
As for McGregor, injured or fully fit, he is being directed towards a title defence against Aldo. Toronto would be accessed easier by Irish fight fans but the promotion may want him on the December 31 card of UFC 207 in Las Vegas.
He's literally undeniable https://t.co/LAIk1ntnaT
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) September 23, 2016
McGregor went to hospital for scans on his foot and shin after he left the octagon, at UFC 202, on crutches. He declared ‘those leg kicks are a motherf***er’ after his unanimous decision win over Nate Diaz.
White told reporters, after that fight, that McGregor would have to fight Aldo next or relinquish his featherweight strap.
It appears as if he is sticking to that demand.
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