UFC News: Jon Anik Makes Stunning Proposal for Conor McGregor Title Fight

Originally posted on FanNation MMA Knockout | Last updated 2/2/24

Longtime UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik believes that Conor McGregor could still challenge for another UFC title, albeit not in one of the promotion’s current weight classes.

“The Notorious” may or may not be returning to fight Michael Chandler at middleweight in June, but UFC CEO Dana White claims the Irishman will certainly make his long-awaited return to the Octagon at some point this year.

McGregor is more than six years removed from a knockout win over Eddie Alvarez that saw him become a two-division UFC champion, and Anik recently outlined a scenario where the 35-year-old could fight for a third title after he finally gets back into action.

“There has been some discourse recently about maybe Leon Edwards’ next title defense happening at 175 pounds and the UFC opening up a 165-pound division,” Anik said on The Sitdown with Malik Wright. “I haven’t heard that internally, I think that’s just rumor mill stuff. But if ever there were a time to do that and create a championship for Conor McGregor – granted, he hasn’t won a fight in four years – maybe this would be the time to strike on that initiative.”

The 15-pound jump between lightweight and welterweight has long been an obstacle for fighters that don’t fit comfortably into either weight class, and although White previously dismissed the notion of a 165-pound division the idea has garnered favor from both fans and fighters.

The UFC brass would almost certainly jump at the opportunity to promote a title bout featuring the promotion's biggest star, but as Anik noted it may be difficult to put that together given that McGregor is 1-3 across his last four UFC bouts.

Anik’s proposal does hinge on whether or not there is in fact a plan to introduce a 165-pound division in the UFC, and it also requires “The Notorious” to finally get back into the Octagon for the first time since he broke his leg against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

If you use any quotes from this article, please leave an H/T to MMAKnockout.com for the transcription.