C. McGregor confirms return to MMA for January 2020. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
MMA fans are close to seeing one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts in recent years back in action. This Saturday (18), at UFC 246, Conor McGregor returns to the octagon after more than a year away and faces Donald Cerrone in the main fight, in Las Vegas (USA). With less provocation and, apparently, more focus, the Irishman, however, states that it will be an easy fight and, in an interview with journalists, he commented on the expectations for the dispute.
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“I like Donald (Cerrone), I have nothing bad to say about him, but I'm going to put him to sleep and I'm going to do it easily. It's the same thing. Fight is fight. I'm going in there and it doesn't matter if it's with or without a rivalry, it's a fight. So, I'm excited to be back and looking forward to fighting on Saturday”, declared the 'Notório'.
Conor also commented on the choice of 'Cowboy' as his opponent. The athlete was criticized by some fans and members of the press for selecting a fighter who is coming off two consecutive setbacks. McGregor then explained the option for Donald instead of a better ranked athlete in his home category (lightweight).
“Donald and I have history. It's a fight that was rumored to happen before, and then I ended up doing the fight against Nate diaz. It was an inevitable fight. He has some phenomenal career records: most fights, most rounds, most head kick knockout wins, most performance bonuses. He deserves this opportunity. However, I didn't need him as an opponent. You saw when I went to Russia, I announced the date, I said I would return on January 18th and I said: ask the UFC who the opponent is. They gave me Donald, and I was very happy. I'm very excited to face him. It’s the beginning of a long period of solid activity”, replied the Irishman.
Without fighting since October 2018, when he was defeated by Khabib Nurmagomedov In the main fight of UFC 229, valid for the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg), Conor revealed audacious plans for 2020. The fighter stated that he is going after great things, including the welterweight belt (up to 77 kg).
“I'm getting ready to break another record on Saturday night. And then I'll be able to go after more titles. I think I can be welterweight champion, win the most 'thick' belt, win these titles and I'm going to get into one more boxing fight, I'm going to win a boxing belt. I have many goals that continue to motivate me”, concluded McGregor.
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