With the UFC men’s flyweight division reportedly closing, Conor McGregor has an interesting take on the whole situation.
It’s been widely reported that the UFC is planning to close the men’s flyweight division after six years of operation. The departure of former champion Demetrious Johnson to ONE Championship, combined with the serious push to have Henry Cejudo move up to 135 to challenge T.J. Dillashaw for his title, has led to much speculation that the division was on its last legs.
So far it’s been confirmed that Jose Torres and Jarred Brooks are no longer with the promotion, and FloCombat reports those who haven’t been asked to go to 135 will just be outright released.
Former UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor reacted to the news on Twitter, seemingly putting the blame on ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong’s “greed” for acquiring Demetrious Johnson, and now he wants ONE to sign those flyweights who will be cut from the UFC as a result of the reported closure.
You must now take all the 125lbers that have been let go, Chatri.
You talk all of this Martial Art and respect talk, yet your greed has directly cost more than half a fighting division it’s chance to earn income for their family.
Have respect @YODCHATRI.
Sign the division.— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) November 8, 2018
Considering DJ himself had alleged that Dana White had threatened to close down the division well over a year ago, I’m not sure how anyone could come to the conclusion that it’s ONE’s fault that men’s flyweight is potentially on its way out of the UFC.
Even if ONE doesn’t sign those ex-UFC flyweights (or soon-to-be ex-UFC flyweights), perhaps Combate Americas and RIZIN would also be potential suitors in 2019.