'It would rip McGregor's soul out if we fought,' says Lawler

Lawler (photo) is the UFC welterweight champion. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

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In the weeks leading up to UFC 196, in March, there was much speculation regarding Ultimate's possible intention to place Conor McGregor to fight for the welterweight belt, belonging to Robbie Lawler, if you defeat Nate diaz. As everyone knows, the Irishman didn't win and the rumors cooled down. However, Lawler gave a very direct comment about how this fight would go if he left the role.

“Of course [McGregor vs. Diaz] was a great fight. He's a big attraction, but it wouldn't be good for him if we fought. If I hurt him, I wouldn't grab his neck. I would rip his soul out,” said the champion, in an interview with the North American channel “WSB”.

On that occasion, McGregor got the better of the first round, but slowed down in the following period. After taking a few blows standing up and swinging, McGregor tried to take the fight to the ground in a clumsy way, which culminated in a defeat by submission, with a rear-naked choke.

McGregor will return to the Octagon on August 20th, in a rematch with Diaz, at UFC 202. A month earlier, on July 30th, Lawler will defend his title against Tyron woodley.

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