Another title fight, another competitor backing out just weeks before he has to face Conor McGregor.
The UFC’s featherweight champion was hoping to become the first fighter in UFC history to hold two championship belts at once, but thanks to lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos’ sudden injury he’ll face Nate Diaz in a welterweight, non-title bout instead.
McGregor and Diaz were in Las Vegas for a pre-fight press conference Wednesday to discuss their upcoming March 5 clash at UFC 196. Of course, it wouldn’t be a McGregor presser without some patented smack talk.
"Ice works wonders" – @TheNotoriousMMA #UFC196 https://t.co/eDs4b0zZSn https://t.co/mtIEks2HyZ
— UFC (@ufc) February 24, 2016
dos Anjos chimed in via Twitter.
Why 🍟🍔Gregor didn't pick Cerrone to fight!? He loves some out of shape with 10 days notice like Mendez. Want 2 belts? Gotta beat me👊🏾💥👊🏾
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) February 24, 2016
He’s referring to McGregor’s TKO win against Chad Mendes last July, which gave McGregor the interim featherweight title. His original opponent, Jose Aldo, pulled out two weeks before that fight — just like dos Anjos is doing now.
McGregor later knocked out Aldo last December after just 13 seconds.
Diaz, and eventually dos Anjos, just better hope they don’t suffer similar fates.
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Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@UFC