Conor McGregor vs Dustin Poirier looks almost like a done deal. Despite not being official, there are indications that the fight may take place at welterweight. Considering that is the case, Khabib Nurmagomedov‘s manager Ali Abdelaziz is not happy if the winner of the fight becomes the No. 1 contender at lightweight.
Conor McGregor’s coach John Kavanagh tweeted that the Irishman looks good while training MMA. For the unacquainted, Poirier and McGregor have fought before once, with ‘The Notorious One’ coming on top. However, both of them have come a long way since the meeting.
The SBG Ireland head coach added that both the fighters have improved by leaps and bounds since their first meeting. His closing remarks in the tweet hinted that Conor’s camp wants the fight to take place at 170-pounds.
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Watching @TheNotoriousMMA do MMA rounds lately has been a real joy and education. Fluidity of movement with elite level timing and skill. Dustin has improved so much since first meeting, conor has improved much more imo. To see them hydrated & healthy at 170 will be fascinating
— Coach Kavanagh (@John_Kavanagh) October 16, 2020
This didn’t sit very well with the CEO of Dominance MMA, Ali Abdelaziz. The manager of several current and former champions in the UFC felt that if the two fought at welterweight, it would not be correct on the part of the top-ranked lightweights.
To be #1 contender in 155 you have to make weight and not fight at 170
It’s not fair for other guys like Tony , Hooker , Makhachev , Beneil , they always make weight
If Dustin VS Conor will be at 170 I can guarantee you it won’t be #1 contender match. Somebody will get a shot— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) October 17, 2020
The last time Conor McGregor stepped inside the Octagon was also at 170-pounds
Conor McGregor has been a featherweight for most of his UFC career. However, he is in a position where he doesn’t want to go through the grueling weight-cut process before every fight. Competing at 170-pounds is much less taxing for him, as it is closer to his natural weight.
When he returned to the Octagon after his loss against Khabib Nurmagomedov, he faced Donald Cerrone earlier this year at welterweight. However, he made it clear that he will drop down to lightweight if he gets a worthy opponent.
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As of now, the dynamics are a bit different. The former UFC double champ has expressed his desire of stepping in the squared circle against Manny Pacquiao. As Poirier is a southpaw himself, McGregor feels that preparing to fight him will aid in his preparation to fight Pacquiao.
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While McGregor has his reasons, Ali’s concerns do seem justified at this point. A No. 1 contender fight for a divisional champ should essentially take place in that division. However, as has been the case with Conor several times, his name is enough to tilt the balance in his favor.
Read More: BREAKING: Conor McGregor Accepts UFC Offer- Fight Set for January
