If it came down to the UFC lightweight title or Conor McGregor, Donald Cerrone would choose the belt.
Donald Cerrone has long campaigned for a scrap against former UFC two-division champ Conor McGregor, but the MMA veteran is having second thoughts about the matchup.
Cerrone will look to extend his win streak to four when he takes on former interim champ Tony Ferguson this Saturday at UFC 238 and, if he wins, the 36-year-old would prefer to challenge for the lightweight title rather than accept a superfight against ‘The Notorious’.
“No (I’m going to go with the title),” Cerrone said (via Mike Bohn and John Morgan of MMA Junkie). “Conor’s had his shot. Sit your ass down now. (I’ll) take the belt.”
Cerrone last fought for the lightweight title back in 2015, when he was TKO’d by then-champ Rafael dos Anjos in the UFC on FOX 17 main event.
When asked about how he matches up with Ferguson, Cerrone credited his opponent’s unorthodox and unique style but believes ‘El Cucuy’ leaves himself open when on the back foot, which is something Cerrone will look to capitalize on at UFC 238.
“I think Tony’s style puts him in danger a lot, so we’ll see if he can take the punishment,” Cerrone said. “His standup (is dangerous). You can’t see his strikes coming, his punches. Him moving backwards he’s not very good, though.”
UFC 238, which features Ferguson vs. Cerrone on the main card, takes place this Saturday, June 8 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.