Skip to content

Conor McGregor could vacate his UFC featherweight belt if he wins second title

Conor McGregor reacts during the UFC 205 press conference at The Theater at Madison Square Garden

Conor McGregor has expressed willingness to give up one world title if he becomes the first UFC fighter to hold simultaneous belts.

The Irish sensation, who won the featherweight title last December against Jose Aldo, will next challenge for Eddie Alvarez's lightweight prize in an attempt to create history at New York City's UFC 205.

He has yet to defend his featherweight belt, after opting to twice fight Nate Diaz at welterweight instead, but could now relinquish that title if he is successful against Alvarez.

Let me do it and let me go back and look at some pictures of me with two belts, and let me embrace it for half-a-day.
Conor McGregor

"Let me see the pictures on publications with a belt on each shoulder first," McGregor told Sports Illustrated. "Let me go onto the side of that Octagon and raise two world titles, never been done before, before talking about stripping me. Let me get the things, let me do it.

"I'll always listen to the correct business move and I'll always do what the correct move is, but let me do it and let me go back and look at some pictures of me with two belts, and let me embrace it for half-a-day.

Conor McGregor and Eddie Alvarez face off as UFC president Dana White breaks them up at the UFC 205 press conference
Image: Conor McGregor will fight Eddie Alvarez (left) next

"Everyone wants to see you do good, but not better than them. That's what's happening here. I'm just looking forward to raising the belts, and doing what has not been done before.

"Don't be trying to take away the historic moment before I've even experienced it."

Also See:

McGregor's beaten rival Aldo has recently threatened to quit the UFC in protest at the new champion not defending the featherweight belt, while lightweight contender Khabib Nurmagomedov has voiced displeasure at being overlooked for a world title chance.

LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 12:  Conor McGregor (L) knocks out Jose Aldo in the first round of their featherweight title fight during UFC 194 on December 12,
Image: Conor McGregor has not fought at 145lbs since beating Jose Aldo in 13 seconds

McGregor has little sympathy, saying: "Crying and moaning, tell me one time that's good for progression. It's not. Where would you be if I wasn't here? Be grateful that you're even in the conversation.

"Keep your head down, keep working, stay focused, stay positive, that's the way to go forward. Not crying, moaning, complaining. I can't engage in that. I wish them well, but I'm on something different here."

Watch NOW TV
Watch NOW TV

Watch Sky Sports for just £6.99. No contract.

You can watch Chelsea v Man Utd, plus England's tour of Bangladesh and the US Grand Prix on Sky Sports. Upgrade now and enjoy six months at half price!

Around Sky