UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor has taken the sport and UFC brand to another level since joining in 2013, and the Irish native is showing why he is the best in the world in mixed martial arts.
The talented Irish fighter has moved up 25 pounds in weight class to fight Nate Diaz at 170 pounds for UFC 196, and he has never had a problem with the spotlight, even calling out undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. for a boxing match. McGregor wanted to fight UFC lightweight champion Rafael do Anjos, but the talented Brazilian cracked his foot only 15 days before the fight, setting up the current matchup that fans are excited to see Saturday night.
McGregor clearly is not afraid of challenges, and he is proving that weight does not define his skill as he moved up an official 23 pounds for UFC 196. UFC president Dana White believes that McGregor will not return to 145 pounds if he wins in Saturday's main event. "I think if he wins impressively tomorrow, he doesn't even go back to 45," White said. "That's what I think. That weight cut is horrible for him. He looks terrible. I'm sure he feels terrible. I think he stays at 170 if he wins tomorrow."
UFC's biggest star clearly looks healthy at 170 pounds and has said that fighting welterweight champion Robbie Lawler would be an intriguing next option for the 19-2 fighter. McGregor understands that if he doesn't return to the featherweight division, he would vacate the title, allowing a new champion to be crowned in that weight class.
"That would be a non-issue if he wasn't going to go back and he understands that." White said. "Listen when you're deal with Conor McGregor, he's a smart guy. He gets business. He's not unreasonable about anything and he will fight anybody, anywhere, any time."
It will be interesting to watch how Saturday's main event plays out, but many are expecting McGregor's speed to be too much for Diaz despite his reach advantage. McGregor is looking to continue to prove that he is the best fighter in the world Saturday night, and although it may not be the opponent fans wanted to see, it truly showcases McGregor's pure talent and skill, as he is looking to prove that it doesn't matter what weight class he is in.
