Can the nutty Irishman make history?
So last week I was speaking on the fact that UFC 205 was missing some marquee bouts. Since then the announcements of Chris Weidman vs Yoel Romero, Donald Cerrone vs Kelvin Gastelum, Tyron Woodley vs Stephen Thompson, and numerous others has instantly made this card stellar even by the UFC standard. Overnight it seems that UFC 205, if no one gets injured that is, is likely going to be the fight card of the year. But the icing on the cake for this event is the announcement of Eddie Alvarez vs Conor McGregor lightweight title match.
Now, granted Conor McGregor is certainly jumping the line in terms of getting the title shot at lightweight, but let’s look at this from a business perspective. UFC 205 is going to be held at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden. The event being held at such a venue is historic in itself. Combine that with the UFC’s biggest earner and draw, then you have some pretty groundbreaking stuff going down here.
The issues that everyone seems to be talking about is where do we draw the line?
With Conor McGregor fighting for the lightweight title, the featherweight division will be tied up once again. McGregor will remain the featherweight champion and a win over Eddie Alvarez will mean that he would be the first fighter in UFC history to hold two belts at the same time. It would forever cement Conor McGregor’s legacy as one of the all time greats in the sport. But should the match up even being occurring in the first place?
You have to concede the fact that Khabib Nurmagomedov is getting a raw deal on this one as he’s more than earned his title shot. To give the opportunity to McGregor could be considered a slap in the face to many of the lightweights who have been campaigning for a chance to get a crack at the title. McGregor should be defending his featherweight belt as opposed to tying up that division as well. But money talks in the sports world and if the UFC sees an opportunity to make bookoo bucks, then it’s no surprise which side of the equation they’re going to fall on.
Do you think booking Eddie Alvarez vs Conor McGregor was the right move?
Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.
The post Conor McGregor Faces Eddie Alvarez For The Lightweight Title. Is This a Slap In The Face To The Lighweight Division? appeared first on Cagepotato.