A. Pettis' coach would like to see the athlete face C. McGregor. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ufcbrasil
Without acting since October last year, Conor McGregor continues to be the target of several UFC fighters. This time, whoever is in line is Anthony Pettis. In a recent interview with the website 'MMA Junkie', 'Showtime' manager Abraham Kawa stated that he would like to see his client face the Irishman if Pettis defeats Nate diaz at UFC 241, on August 17.
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“Even if Conor faces Khabib (Nurmagomedov), I don't think this is the fight. I really don't want to see that fight right now. Now, I would like to see Conor against Anthony. If Anthony beats Nate, I think McGregor is next for the future,” said Kawa.
Before his desire is even considered, the businessman recognizes the qualities of Pettis' next opponent. Nate has already faced big names in MMA, such as Donald Cerrone, Ben henderson, Conor McGregor e Rafael dos Anjos. Even though he didn't emerge victorious in every fight, the athlete certainly excited the public with his way of presenting himself.
“He has followers (Diaz). He has a name. He is one of the greats of the sport. To convince Nate to get up in the morning and think that he wants to face someone, I believe it will be for real,” commented Abraham.
For many, Nate is a very controversial athlete. The fighter, despite being world-renowned in mixed martial arts, along with his brother, Nick Diaz, have a very strong personality which, on many occasions, led them to confront the UFC management.
Proof of this is the fact that Diaz has not worked for the company since August 2016, almost three years ago. The athlete currently selects his opponents well and recently admitted that he will no longer play in his old division (lightweight – up to 70,3kg), because, according to Nate, he has defeated all his high-level opponents.
Now playing at welterweight (up to 77kg), Diaz will face the former lightweight champion. The possible motivation for the American to come out of his almost three-year hiatus could be the name that Anthony carries and the fact that the athlete is coming off a great victory in his career. In March of this year, Pettis defeated his compatriot Stephen Thompson with an impressive knockout, raising the audience present at the UFC Nashville.
“I saw Anthony against 'Cowboy' (Donald Cerrone), and now I'm going to see him against Nate. They don't like each other and can't look each other in the eye. They are two guys who go for it all the time. The best will win and I believe it will be Pettis, if he does what he has to do”, concluded the businessman.
If Conor accepts Abraham's challenge, it is not known in which category the duel would be held, given that McGregor is currently third in the lightweight rankings and could, at any time, be invited to a title fight, considering his good relationship with the UFC board.
At 32 years old, Pettis has already played 28 times in professional MMA. With 21 wins and seven losses, the North American experienced the best moment of his career between 2013 and 2015, when he was Ultimate champion, until he was dethroned by the Brazilian Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 185.
Nate, in turn, will have his 31st fight. The controversial athlete, at 34 years old, has 19 triumphs and 11 setbacks in his career as a professional in mixed martial arts.
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