UFC featherweight Conor McGregor has a Pay-Per-View date with Dustin Poirier this Saturday at UFC 178, but he’s happy to talk about who he plans on fighting next.
Speaking with media members in Las Vegas, McGregor was asked if he felt up to stepping in for either featherweight champion Jose Aldo or Chad Mendes if he were called upon.
“100 percent,” said McGregor. “You’re damn right I’d be ready. I stay ready. It’s my logo.”
Aldo was originally set to defend his title in a rematch with Mendes Aug. 2 at UFC 176, but the bout was pushed to Oct. 25, 2014 at UFC 179 after he suffered a neck injury.
“I’m actually flying out to Brazil,” McGregor continued. “Not only will I fly out, I’ll jump into the Octagon if need be. Who knows? I might stick a few banana peels around the weigh-in area and hope someone falls.”
When it came to picking a winner between the two, McGregor seemed to read more into the recent troubles surrounding Aldo’s training camp at Nova União.
“I’ll honestly whoop both of them,” McGregor said. “There’s a lot of factors in it. I like the mental side of combat sport. I like the mental side of anything, really. You can look at it many ways.
“We have the win over [Renan] Barao with T.J. Dillashaw. That changes a shift in things. Then you’ve got the fact that Barao missed weight and all so there’s definitely problems in the camp.
“They’ve been complaining about money, etc. Then there’s been injuries back and forth. I feel a weakness in the mind frame of these people.”
Balancing the scales a bit, McGregor considered how one-sided the first go-round was back in 2012 at UFC 142 in Brazil.
“Then you’ve also got to look at the fact of the first contest. Chad was embarrassed in the first contest. Every single shot he took was stuffed and he got eaten alive on the feet and then he got knocked out in the first round. It’s going to be an interesting one, but ultimately, I don’t give a s**t. I’m going to whoop both of them.”
5 MUST-READ STORIES
Losing NIKE. In addition to being dropped by the sportswear brand, Jon Jones was fined $50,000 and given 40 hours community service by the NAC for his part in the UFC 178 media day brawl.
Done. During the same hearing, the recently retired Wanderlei Silva received a lifetime ban and was fined $70,000 by the NAC. Silva later responded to the ruling by saying, ‘Those who are trying to take me down, come get it. War is just beginning, sons of b—–s.’
Somewhere between fact and fiction. Chuck Mindenhall makes sense of all the drama that unfolded Tuesday during the NAC hearing in Las Vegas.
He’s back. Nate Diaz has ended his holdout and will face Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on FOX 13.
Interesting. World Series of Fighting announces plans for a PPV event, saying 50% of the net revenue will go to its fighters.
MEDIA STEW
UFC 178 Embedded episodes 1 & 2.
Joe Rogan breaks down the return of Dominick Cruz.
Highlights from ONE FC, RFA, IGF, and BAMMA.
TTTHS.
How do we feel about the Sapp-Alvarez scale?
Long watches.
Phuket Dreaming Episode 5 – “Adrenaline Junk” (on location at Phuket Top Team)
…
MMA Bunker: Wanderlei Silva gets banned for life + Jones/Cormier get fined
…
INVICTA FC 8 behind the scenes from an athlete’s perspective
TWEETS
Bones has notes.
40 hours of community service in Vegas with a fight coming up is the only thing that really concerns me.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) September 23, 2014
The fact that this needs to be completed before the fight is definitely going to have effect on my camp. I respect the commission though
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) September 23, 2014
I am excited I get to work with kids though that part is a blessing in disguise. I’ll give them my best
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) September 23, 2014
Using all 40 hours in one city just seems different I mean there’s kids all over the country that could use a visit
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) September 23, 2014
Also.
What a day, I respect the commissions dec and now I can get back to what’s important and that’s my preparation. Thx for all the support DC
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) September 23, 2014
Thanks My guys for all, My fans (friends)My Life
— Wanderlei Silva (@wandfc) September 23, 2014
OK.
I’ve decided i’m going to toy with him.
— Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) September 24, 2014
Get well soon.
Want to thank my fans for all the support. I’ll be back soon stronger than ever! #andstill http://t.co/svfTIG8Wfh
— Chris Weidman (@ChrisWeidmanUFC) September 23, 2014
Yep.
The line up looks good with my name in it. #UFC178 http://t.co/04xOb9Aml8 pic.twitter.com/wnHP0Xv8w9
— Dominick Cruz (@TheDomin8r) September 24, 2014
Congrats.
Axel Gray Waldburger 8lbs 9 oz & 22.5 inches long pic.twitter.com/kZZy9saKDm
— TJ Waldburger (@TJWaldburger) September 23, 2014
Inking my new 4 fight deal with the #ufc 8 great years ready for at least a couple more ! https://t.co/5MPDHYC2UL
— Ed Herman (@EdHermanufc) September 24, 2014
Keep an eye out.
I was just told I have a fight. Just waiting to get the contract. @ufc @arielhelwani
— Frankie Edgar (@FrankieEdgar) September 23, 2014
Madness.
Welcome back Nate Diaz to the @ufc he’s 4 and 4 in his last 8 fights. People say if he wins he should get a title shot. This is madness
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) September 23, 2014
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Sept. 23 2014)
Nate Diaz vs. Rafael dos Anjos at UFC on FOX 13
Anthony Birchak vs. Ian Entwistle at UFC on FOX 13
Chico Camus vs. Brad Pickett at UFC Fight Night: Austin
Eddie Gordon vs. Josh Samman at UFC 181
Found something you’d like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we’ll include it in tomorrow’s column.