McGregor still wants a shot at UFC lightweight title

MANILA, Philippines – There is no quit in UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor as he still has sights on taking away the lightweight gold from Rafael dos Anjos. 

McGregor was supposed to challenge Dos Anjos for the lightweight belt in the main event of UFC 196 on Sunday, March 6 (PH Time), but the Brazilian pulled out of the champion vs champion clash due to a foot injury.

Diaz stepped in for Dos Anjos on 11 days notice and managed to pull off an upset by submitting McGregor with a rear-naked choke in the second round.

Despite the shocking defeat at the hands of Diaz, it did not deter McGregor’s desire to face the 155-pound weight class’ kingpin and become the first UFC fighter in the company’s history to hold two world titles at the same time.

McGregor plans to defend his featherweight title first before making another case for a bout with Dos Anjos.

“I think after I defend my belt, I will get my shot at the lightweight belt once again,” he said during the post-event press conference.

(READ: McGregor has no regrets about moving up, plans to defend UFC title)

McGregor is confident that he can pull off a feat similar to what he did under the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship banner, where he captured both featherweight and lightweight straps.

“I will climb back up and make my case again for that second belt,” he quipped.

The 27-year-old native of Dublin, Ireland stressed that Diaz deserves to dance with Dos Anjos inside the Octagon after the 30-year-old southpaw from Stockton, California handed him his first UFC loss.

Diaz currently occupies the No. 5 seat in the UFC lightweight rankings and is expected to move up the ladder following his impressive outing against McGregor.

“I believe Nate will fight Dos Anjos,” McGregor stated. “I will wait patiently for the lightweight belt to be contested. I will make my way up. I respect Nate.”

McGregor aims to get back inside the UFC cage as soon as possible, but he will leave it to his handlers and the fans on whom he should fight next.

Frankie Edgar was promised a crack at the 145-pound division’s top prize by UFC president Dana White, while Jose Aldo wants another piece of McGregor.

“I don’t know. I will keep my ear to the ground and see who the fans want to see the most,” McGregor said. – Rappler.com