Andrew Richardson USA TODAY Sports
Diego Sanchez and Conor McGregor clearly want to fight one another and both seem intent on meeting at a UFC event in Dublin, Ireland in 2014. The intriguing twist is that it could possibly come at welterweight.
Sanchez, who has been transitioning for the last few years between fights at welterweight and lightweight, is coming off a tremendous effort at 155 pounds in a decision loss to Gilbert Melendez at UFC 166. The fight was an absolute war and became an instant classic. It considerably raised Sanchez’s stock.
“The Dream” isn’t too far removed from facing talented top-10 welterweights such as Jake Ellenberger and Martin Kampmann, so a move back up the scales shouldn’t be a problem.
McGregor is on the mend after suffering a torn ACL at Fight Night 26 during a decision victory over Max Holloway. Despite only having two fights in the promotion, “Notorious” has made plenty of enemies because of his trash-talk and charismatic nature, with some believing he’s been getting too much hype and too much of a push from the organization.
Sanchez probably ranks at the top of the list of enemies, and McGregor has expressed a willingness to meet him in a 170-pound clash.
It would not only be a substantial step up in competition for McGregor, but would also be a big step up in weight. The Irish product, who made his Octagon debut as a 145-pound featherweight, would be looking to move up two weight divisions to face his most dangerous challenge yet.
McGregor has fought at lightweight before during his career, but a move to 170 pounds would be uncharted territory. If anyone would be confident enough in his abilities to make such a move, it would be McGregor.
Given the all-action styles of both fighters and the seemingly genuine dislike for one another, this matchup would be one of the more anticipated clashes of 2014. Both men are talking the talk and seem more than willing to face one another, so it’ll be intriguing to see if it becomes a reality. McGregor has tweeted that the fight will happen.
Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports
