Not the news that fight fans wanted to hear. The reason for it might even be more frustrating.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that a snag over card placement is the biggest holdup to a potential Conor McGregor vs. Donald Cerrone fight.
Just days after UFC color commentator Joe Rogan said on his podcast that a dispute between McGregor and the UFC over whether McGregor would appear in the co-feature spot is holding up a potential fight on July 6 in Las Vegas between the two popular competitors, Cerrone himself confirmed this is the case.
In a report on ESPN.com Thursday, Cerrone says that McGregor will only accept headline fights.
”Conor won’t fight unless it’s a main event,” Cerrone told ESPN. “I don’t know if it’s an ego thing or a status thing for him. I don’t give a s—. I’ll fight anyone, anywhere, and I stand by that all the time. I guess he’s a prima donna and only takes main event spots. I don’t know.”
The news is disappointing. Conor sells. There is zero doubt about that. He is the biggest MMA star EVER. He has brought to the UFC more money and attention than they ever could have imagined.
But, Cerrone sells as well. He is a badass who sticks to his guns that he will fight anyone, anytime, anywhere. He is year over year one of the most active fighters on the roster. People WANT to see this fight, so I can see the need for it to be a main event.
The frustrating part is that Cerrone is willing to fight as the main event, co-main event, prelims, anywhere. He really doesn’t care. Conor, on the other hand, seems to be the one holding it back.
Conor has lost two of his last four and three of five if you count his boxing match with Floyd Mayweather. I still don’t see how his name and worldwide fame doesn’t draw the most attention deserving of a main event spot. The only fight I can see that they are trying to put over this one would be a Brock Lesnar return. I personally would rather watch McGregeor and Cerrone over any Lesnar fight, but Lesnar’s following is undeniable.
Who do you think will fold first: the UFC or McGregor?
Stan is the Chief of Debauchery for SoBros Network. A native of the Northeast, he is a diehard fan of the New York Yankees, but no, he does not wear a big gold chain and backwards hat. Nor does he drink Heinekens. Follow on Twitter: @sobrostan.
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