D. Cerrone (right) and C.McGregor (left) could face each other in 2020. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @cowboycerrone
After announcing his return to MMA for January, Conor McGregor may be close to having confirmed his new opponent. According to the Irishman's manager, Audie Attar, negotiations are underway to soon announce the duel between the former featherweight (up to 65,7kg) and lightweight (up to 70,3kg) champion against Donald Cerrone. The information was released by the 'Notório' representative to the 'South China Morning Post'.
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“I would say it is well underway. We had a meeting with them (Donald's representatives). We have a very good understanding. I wish the announcement could happen in the next few weeks,” said Conor’s rep.
This is not the first time that the confrontation between McGregor and Cerrone has become the subject of Ultimate. In January of this year, after Donald hit Alexander Hernandez With a beautiful knockout, and breaking the UFC post-fight bonus record, the Irishman took to social media to praise the North American. The 'Cowboy' then took the opportunity to suggest a confrontation between the two, which was readily accepted by Conor. Negotiations at the time, however, did not progress.
After the Irishman started promoting his return to the octagon, as he hasn't played since October last year, when he was defeated by Khabib Nurmagomedov, in a fight valid for the lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg.), a veritable army of athletes volunteered to face the 'Notório'.
Initially, McGregor asked for a fight against Frankie Edgar, recently defeated by Max Holloway in a fight that was worth the featherweight belt. The North American had revealed that he intended to go down to bantamweight (up to 61,2kg), so the board quickly ruled out the Irishman's wishes.
After the UFC's refusal, Cerrone took advantage and began a new attack in a confrontation against Conor. Coming from defeat to Justin gaethje, Donald seeks to regain victory, climb back up the rankings and, of course, welcomes the opportunity to face an athlete who is famous for achieving million-dollar figures in his performances alongside his rivals.
Recently, Cerrone had informed 'TMZ Sports' that, in fact, his team and that of the Irishman were negotiating a meeting for next year.
In a press conference held in Russia a few weeks ago, the former champion informed, without revealing his opponent, that he will perform on January 18th, in Las Vegas. Ultimate, despite confirming its desire to make a card official on the same date and location, did not confirm the Irishman's version.
Conor's last victory for Ultimate came in November 2016, when he beat Eddie Alvarez for the lightweight title, becoming the first athlete in the company's history to hold two belts simultaneously.
Currently, McGregor is in third place in the category rankings, while Donald, who is coming off two consecutive defeats, is in fifth place.
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